Turkey’s Bag Fee Policy Eliminates 2.8 Million Tonnes of Plastic Waste
Plastic Recycling | 2026-03-09 11:05:12
Since the program began, around 205,000 buildings have adopted the Zero Waste Management System.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Turkey has prevented the generation of nearly 2.8 million tonnes of plastic waste since introducing its paid plastic bag policy, according to data from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
Figures from the ministry’s 2025 Annual Activity Report show that between 2019 and 2025, the policy helped avoid the creation of about 2.84 million tonnes of plastic waste nationwide. The measure was introduced to curb environmental pollution and reduce the excessive use of single-use plastic bags.
ALSO READ:
Chemists convert plastic waste into a powerful new tool to capture carbon dioxide
Innovative Solutions Address Global Plastic Waste Crisis
The policy forms part of the wider Zero Waste Project, launched in 2017 under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan. The initiative aims to promote sustainable waste management and create a cleaner environment for future generations.
Since the program began, around 205,000 buildings have adopted the Zero Waste Management System. Turkey’s recycling rate has also increased significantly, rising from 13% in 2017 to 36% in 2024, with authorities targeting a 60% recycling rate by 2035.
Recycling initiatives have recovered millions of tonnes of paper, plastic, glass and metals, generating roughly 256 billion Turkish liras in economic value while saving water, energy and petroleum and preventing substantial carbon emissions.
POLL
Do you think paid plastic bag policies are an effective strategy to reduce plastic waste globally?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much plastic waste has Turkey prevented through its plastic bag policy?
The policy has helped prevent approximately 2.84 million tonnes of plastic waste between 2019 and 2025.
- What is the main objective of the paid plastic bag policy?
The policy aims to reduce single-use plastic bag consumption and curb environmental pollution.
- Which national program supports this initiative?
The policy is part of the Zero Waste Project, a national initiative promoting sustainable waste management.
