Turkey's Plastic Waste Crisis: British Companies Leave Farmers to Bear the Burden

Plastic Waste Imports and Their Impact

Between May 2021 and present, British companies exported approximately 52,000 tonnes of plastic waste to Kemal Deniz in Adana, Turkey. This influx has led to severe pollution issues for the local farmers, particularly those growing aubergines.

According to data analyzed by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), a significant portion of this imported plastic waste is being processed at facilities within the zone, creating an environment rife with toxic fumes and debris. Microplastics and Water Contamination

New research from Sedat Gündoğdu, a marine biologist at Sabancı University’s Istanbul Policy Center, has revealed high levels of microplastics in Adana’s waterways. His study found a 10-fold increase in microplastic concentrations downstream from the Kemal Deniz recycling zone compared to upstream sites. The Kemal Deniz site houses numerous storage warehouses and facilities that discharge contaminated wastewater directly into canals used for irrigation, affecting nearby farmland.

Community Concerns and Environmental Damage

Local farmers report that every year their greenhouse tarps need cleaning due to black coatings caused by fumes from the recycling operations. In January, heavy rain flooded his land, destroying seven hectares of crops. He expressed frustration at the lack of recourse: “Nowhere to file a complaint – nobody cares.” The socio-economic divide in Adana is stark, with wealthier residents living north of the city and poorer communities, including migrants, located south near the recycling facilities.

Calls for Action

The British companies exporting plastic waste to Kemal Deniz argue that their operations are compliant. However, legal expert Amy Youngman from the EIA contends that UK waste drives these harmful operations. She urged immediate action by phasing out such exports and strengthening domestic recycling efforts. James McLeary of Biffa Polymers also called for a shift in focus, suggesting that plastic waste should be processed within controlled environments in the UK rather than being exported.

Source: The Guardian