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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye has recovered 90 million tons of waste through its Zero Waste initiative, underlining its growing economic and environmental impact as the country marked International Zero Waste Day on March 30.
Sharing a message on the domestic social media platform NSosyal, Erdogan pointed out that the initiative has brought in a total contribution of ₺365 billion ($8.2 billion) to the national economy, while also setting out long-term recycling targets.
Erdogan said the Zero Waste Movement, launched in 2017 under the leadership of First Lady Emine Erdogan, has steadily expanded in scope and influence, eventually turning into what he described as a global environmental effort.
He noted in his statement that “The Zero Waste Movement, initiated by our country and now transformed into a global environmental effort, has enabled the recovery of a total of 90 million tons of waste,” highlighting how the program has scaled up over time.
As the program has been rolled out across the country, Erdogan stressed that its economic returns have become increasingly visible, with recovered materials feeding back into production and reducing resource loss.
He said the initiative has contributed ₺365 billion to the economy, linking environmental policy with tangible financial gains and underlining how sustainability efforts can feed into broader economic activity.
Looking ahead, Erdogan set out clear targets for improving recycling rates, saying Türkiye aims to raise the rate to 60% by 2035 and further to 70% by 2053.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling climate change and environmental pollution, adding that efforts in these areas will continue with determination as part of a wider sustainability agenda.
International Zero Waste Day, observed annually on March 30, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 following Türkiye’s initiative to promote sustainable waste management practices worldwide.
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