Tons of Waste Went to Recycling, Not Nature

Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Climate Change and Zero Waste Department ensured the disposal and recycling of tons of waste from its units within the scope of the 'Zero Waste Project'. The Metropolitan Municipality, which is registered in the Zero Waste System of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, separated a total of 730 tons of waste in the last 3 years with the waste separation units it placed in its units and campuses. While biodegradable waste from separated waste was disposed of, all paper, plastic and maintenance and repair waste was sent for recycling. In this way, the Metropolitan Municipality minimized the negative effects of tons of waste on nature and the environment.

Representatives from MESKİ, METU Marine Sciences Institute, Mersin Chamber of Shipping, Mersin University Faculty of Fisheries, MedCities and Turkey Mediterranean Hub took part in the workshop held in the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Congress and Exhibition Palace. The representatives discussed ongoing projects for the protection of the marine and coastal ecosystem and conveyed practices that should be done in the future in order to make this ecosystem sustainable. In addition, at the workshop, studies on dealing with marine pollution and protecting endangered species in the marine ecosystem were also expressed.

63 units of the Metropolitan Municipality earned Zero Waste Certificate

After the Zero Waste Regulation published by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in 2019, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality was included in the Zero Waste system. The Metropolitan Municipality; While ensuring that the personnel receive training on this subject by placing waste separation units and equipment in the units and campuses providing services within its structure, it also gained a basic level Zero Waste Certificate to 63 units and campuses. Processes continue for newly established service units to receive a basic level Zero Waste Certificate.

Waste is separated at source according to type

Waste is separated according to its type, especially paper, plastic and biodegradable waste. Biodegradable waste from separated waste is disposed of in disposal facilities and electrical energy is produced. Electrical and electronic waste, waste batteries, waste toners, motor transmission oils and similar waste resulting from the maintenance, repair and other services of the Metropolitan Municipality are separated at source and transported by waste transport vehicles licensed by the Ministry and disposed of in licensed companies. While unused clothes from the clothes accumulated in the Waste Clothing Boxes throughout the city are delivered to those in need in the Clothing Houses of the Metropolitan Municipality, those that cannot be used are sent for recycling.

Altun: "200 tons of packaging waste, 530 tons of hazardous waste were collected"

Environmental Engineer Zeki Altun, who works as Zero Waste Management and Inspection Chief in the Climate Change and Zero Waste Department; He said that as the Metropolitan Municipality, they are doing serious work on collecting waste by separating it at source and recycling it. Altun, "Around 200 tons of packaging waste collected from our units since 2020 has been recycled. In addition, approximately 530 tons of hazardous status waste collected within the scope of the service, maintenance and repair activities of our Municipality were delivered separately to recycling companies" he said.

"Approximately 40 thousand clothes were delivered to those in need"

Altun, who noted that unused clothes thrown into the Waste Clothing Boxes throughout the city are also evaluated, "There are waste textile boxes in many points of our city. As of 2020, textile waste is collected separately at source and delivered to Clothing Houses in coordination with our Department and with the Social Services Department. Since 2020, approximately 40 thousand new clothes have been delivered to our citizens in need in Clothing Houses" he said.

"When waste is recycled, waste and environmental pollution are prevented"

Altun, who stated that recycling of waste resulting from consumption makes an important contribution to the environment, "If the waste resulting from our consumption is recycled, the consumption of natural resources will decrease to a minimum level. In this sense, by collecting waste by separating it at source and recycling it, both waste will be prevented, our natural resources will become more efficient, and air, soil and water pollution will be prevented" he said.

Altun, who added to his words that it is very important for citizens to separate the waste from their homes before throwing it away, for the environment and recycling, "Especially our citizens and children have a big job in this regard. By creating a zero waste awareness, the garbage generated as a result of consumption in our homes needs to be collected separately at source" he said.

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