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Municipal solid waste management strategies in Turkey.
N Gamze Turan1, Semra Coruh, Andaç Akdemir
1Ondokuz Mayis University, Engineering Faculty, Department of Environmental Engineering, 55139 Samsun, Kurupelit, Turkey. gturan@omu.edu.tr
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Turkey generates 25 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually, with 77% of the population receiving services. Despite legislative efforts and new facilities, over 2000 open dumps persist, highlighting ongoing waste management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Public Policy
Background:
- Municipal solid waste (MSW) poses a significant environmental challenge in Turkey, mirroring issues in other developing nations.
- Despite existing regulations, primitive disposal methods like open dumping and water discharge persist in various regions.
- Addressing MSW challenges requires continuous efforts in efficient collection, transportation, and environmentally sound disposal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of legislative trends in Turkey concerning MSW management.
- To detail the current MSW responsibility and management structure in Turkey.
- To present the present status of MSW generation, composition, recycling, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of legislative history and policy documents related to MSW management in Turkey.
- Analysis of data on MSW generation, composition, recycling, and treatment.
- Assessment of the current waste management infrastructure and practices.
Main Results:
- Approximately 25 million tons of MSW are generated annually in Turkey.
- MSW services reach about 77% of the population.
- Over 2000 open dumps continue to operate despite initiatives to establish sanitary landfills and recycling facilities.
Conclusions:
- Turkey faces substantial challenges in effectively managing its municipal solid waste.
- Legislative frameworks and infrastructure development are crucial but insufficient to eliminate primitive disposal methods.
- Continued investment and stricter enforcement are necessary to transition towards sustainable MSW management practices.
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