Türkiye Boosts National Strategy to Combat Plastic Waste

Plastic Recycling  |  2026-09-03 10:29:53   |   By

The findings are expected to support the development of the 2053 Türkiye Plastic Vision and preparations for COP31, which is to be hosted in November by the country.

Summary
  • Türkiye advances its circular plastics strategy: Following a two-day workshop in Istanbul, the country is moving ahead with plans to reduce plastic pollution and establish a more circular plastics industry. The initiative will contribute to the 2053 Türkiye Plastic Vision and preparations for COP31.
  • Recycling and collection identified as priorities: Around 600 representatives called for greater use of recycled materials, improved source-separated waste collection and increased investment in mechanical, chemical and other advanced recycling technologies. Better tracking, testing and certification systems were also highlighted.
  • Türkiye targets a regional recycling hub by 2053: Participants recommended gradually reducing single-use plastics while strengthening enforcement and using digital tools and artificial intelligence for monitoring. Türkiye ultimately aims to become a regional circular plastics and recycling hub by 2053.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Türkiye has decided to move ahead with a nationwide plan to reduce plastic pollution and build a more circular plastics industry. The move follows a two-day workshop, which brought together approximately 600 representatives from government, local authorities, academia, civil society and industry.

The Türkiye Plastic Waste Workshop, held in Istanbul on August 31 and September 1, examined the country's plastics system through 15 specialist discussion groups. The findings are expected to support the development of the 2053 Türkiye Plastic Vision and preparations for COP31, which is to be hosted in November by the country.

Participants called for wider use of recycled materials, better source-separated collection and greater investment in advanced recycling technologies. They also emphasized the need for improved tracking systems as well as stronger testing and certification facilities. Expansion of mechanical recycling, along with development of chemical and other advanced technologies, could reduce dependence on imported raw materials, they said.

The workshop also highlighted the need to gradually reduce single-use plastics and strengthen enforcement measures. It also recommended better use of digital tools and artificial intelligence techniques to improve monitoring.

Türkiye aims to develop the country into a regional circular plastics and recycling hub by 2053.

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