A major recycling campaign must be launched thorough the country

Stating that our society is not very conscious about recycling, experts say that in recent years, there have been efforts to raise awareness on recycling by the government, local government and non-governmental organization; however, it is not enough. Pointing out that some people are more sensitive about recycling, especially in big cities, Asst. Prof. Hasan Çiçek said that "In small cities, towns and villages, we witness that this sensitivity is less.”

Üsküdar University Industrial Engineering Asst. Prof. Hasan Çiçek informed on raising awareness on recycling.

It does not only harm the economy

Stating that recycling is the reintroduction of wastes into the economy, Asst. Prof. Hasan Çiçek said that "Wastes can be of domestic or industrial. These wastes not only harm our economy, but also cause environmental pollution. Let's not forget that this world we live in was inherited from our elders, and we should leave it to our children as clean and livable. By recycling, we actually reduce the pollution that occurs."

Awareness-raising efforts are not enough

Evaluating the social awareness about recycling, Asst. Prof. Hasan Çiçek said that "Unfortunately, our society is not very conscious about recycling. When we look around us, the streets, the sites we live in, and the parks, we can easily see this deficiency. Those who have been to developed European countries know that you will not see any garbage on the street or in the park. In recent years, efforts to raise awareness on recycling have been seen by both the government, local government and non-governmental organizations. However, it should not be forgotten that these studies are not enough and we need to work harder."

We need to increase the number of sensitive citizens

Pointing out that some people are more sensitive about recycling, especially in big cities, Asst. Prof. Hasan Çiçek continued his remarks as follows: "In small cities, towns and villages, we witness that this sensitivity is less. For example, we observe that the different waste bins (domestic/plastic/glass) placed by the municipality are not used correctly. We need to increase our sensitive citizens. In this regard, local governments, site managements and non-governmental organizations have more work to do. This issue should be covered more on TV channels."

If the student throws the used plastic cup on the ground, it means that the campaigns are inactive

Emphasizing that schools, universities and local governments should make more efforts in recycling, Asst. Prof. Hasan Çiçek stated that "If the student throws the used plastic cup, it means that the campaigns are not effective. An all-out mobilization is needed. As I mentioned at the beginning, environmental pollution directly affects our lives. Thanks to recycling, we will also make progress in this regard. This issue should be taught more in schools and universities and student awareness should be increased. Local governments, on the other hand, should go to the sites and educate our citizens."

Technological investments in waste recovery should be encouraged

Assist. Prof. Hasan Çiçek pointed out that first of all, a major campaign must be launched throughout the country for recycling, and concluded his remarks as follows:

"Schools, universities, the government and non-governmental organizations should give their full support to this campaign. It is essential to encourage technological investments in the recovery of wastes and to encourage more entrepreneurs to turn to this investment. Local governments also need to allocate more resources to this area. If there are gaps in laws, regulations and legislation, they should be eliminated quickly. Moreover, new technological opportunities should be used. Let's not forget that when we invest in the recycling sector, we will also create new job opportunities."

The amount of waste generated was calculated as 109.2 million tons

According to the 2022 Waste Statistics of the Turkish Statistical Institute, a total of 109.2 million tons of waste, 29.4 million tons of which was hazardous, was generated in 2022 in manufacturing industry workplaces, mining enterprises, thermal power plants, organized industrial zones (OIZ) and households within the scope of the research. 63.2 percent of the total waste was sold or sent to licensed waste treatment facilities.

133.2 million tons of waste processed in waste treatment facilities

81.4 million tons of the 133.2 million tons of waste processed in waste disposal and recovery facilities were disposed and 51.7 million tons were recovered.

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)