OMM Redaksiyası
The European Union (EU) will continue to allow large-scale exports of plastic waste to Türkiye, despite concerns about recycling rates, environmental damage and the risk of illegal waste trafficking in the country.
An assessment prepared by the European Commission on Sept. 1 identified shortcomings in Türkiye’s handling of imported plastic waste. The document highlighted limited information on how shipments are managed, as well as uncertainty over the application and enforcement of EU rules.
However, Brussels concluded that exports could continue, citing progress in Türkiye’s legal framework and environmental monitoring mechanisms. Türkiye remains the EU’s largest destination for waste outside the bloc.
According to the assessment, Türkiye imported about 510,000 metric tons of plastic waste from EU countries in 2025. This accounted for approximately 70% of the EU’s plastic waste exports to member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and 36% of its total plastic waste exports.
Concerns over recycling rates
Stakeholders consulted by the European Commission estimated that only about 10% of the plastic waste sent to Türkiye is recycled. They said much of the remaining material ends up in landfills, is improperly managed or is released into the environment.
Such circumstances could provide grounds for suspending exports under the EU’s Waste Shipment Regulation. Although the Commission identified serious problems involving both domestic and imported plastic waste, it said Türkiye had strengthened its waste management legislation and that its framework was broadly aligned with international and EU standards.
Adana and Mersin identified as waste hubs
A 2025 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime said Türkiye had become the main destination for plastic waste exported from Europe after 2018.
The report said contaminated and mixed plastic waste was sometimes misclassified as recyclable material, allowing operators to exploit regulatory loopholes and weak oversight.
Adana, Mersin and Ambarlı were identified as key entry points and processing hubs for imported plastic waste in Türkiye. According to the research, Adana alone received more than 60% of the country’s plastic waste imports during the period examined.
Satellite imagery, customs data and field interviews documented cases of waste being dumped in open areas, illegally burned and stored in hazardous conditions. Researchers said some of the waste was unsuitable for recycling.
EU tightens oversight
The EU has introduced stricter rules to reduce illegal waste shipments and improve traceability. From May 21, 2026, exports of plastic waste will be subject to the prior informed consent procedure. A Digital Waste Shipment System has also been established to improve electronic tracking and information-sharing among government authorities.
From Nov. 21, 2026, exports of plastic waste to countries that are not members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development will be banned. As Türkiye is an OECD member, exports to the country are subject to a separate system under which they can continue under Commission oversight.
From May 2027, EU exporters will be required to ensure that facilities receiving waste have undergone an independent audit confirming that the material is managed in an environmentally sound manner.
Environmental activists believe the Commission should take tougher action. The Commission said its assessment had identified both progress and continuing weaknesses, adding that cooperation with Turkish authorities would continue and the situation would be monitored.
Türkiye’s waste management system will be reassessed before 2028.
