The Zero Waste Foundation presented its international plastic waste report this week ahead of an international workshop to set Turkey's national action plan.
The organization, which previously pioneered DOA recycling systems, introduced the International Data and Turkey Indicators Plastic Waste Report at a press conference to establish its roadmap.
According to the report, global plastic use has doubled to 460 million tons, while global plastic waste doubled to 353 million tons. Only 9 percent of global plastic waste is recycled.
In Turkey, annual plastic waste generation reached 48 kilograms per person, which is 44.9 percent above the global average. Zero Waste Foundation president Samed Ağırbaş said production and consumption habits must be changed.
Plastic Waste Action Plan
To address the issue, the foundation will host an international plastic waste workshop from August 31 to September 1, which it described as the largest event of its kind in history. The workshop brings together 14 ministries, more than 40 general directorates, universities, and non-governmental organizations.
The event aims to build Turkey's plastic action plan and define global pollution strategies. Key targets include cutting unnecessary plastic use at the source and boosting recovery rates to 60 percent by 2035, alongside evaluating 5, 10, 15, and 30-year plans.
