Türkiye introduced plastic bag pricing in 2019. Disposable plastic bans in line with the EU are coming.
Plastic Bag Pricing
- As of 2019, grocery bags will be charged (per bag)
- Current annual fee
- Determined by the Ministry of Environment
- Consumption has decreased significantly
EU Disposable Plastic Directive
- In the EU in 2021 banned:
- Plastic straws, forks and spoons
- Polystyrene plates/bowls
- Plastic bubble sticks
- Turkey's harmonization process continues organizations
- Annual reporting
Recycling
- Waste separation is a must
- Plastic codes (1-7)
- PET bottle (1) high recycling
- PVC, polystyrene weak
Bioplastic Alternatives
- Corn starch based
- Sugar cane based
- Compostable feature
- More expensive (yet)
Products That May Be Banned (Near Future)
- Cosmetics containing microplastics
- Plastic pallet/stick (ear stick)
- Plastic balloons (party)
What Companies Should Do
- Use of disposable plastic reduction
- Sustainable alternatives
- Customer education
- Waste management reporting
Practical Advice (Consumer)
- Use cloth bags
- Glass/metal bottle
- Prefer recyclable product
- Waste segregation
Environmental law lawyer recommended.