To be or not to be the garbage of rich countries: A critique on Turkey’s plastic waste recycling policy and trade

Abstract

Since plastics can remain in nature for a long time without dissolving, they threaten the ecosystem and cause severe damage to nature. To prevent this destruction and possible disease and death, the use of recycled plastic products instead of disposable plastic products has increased. Instead of being thrown away, these products are thrown into recycling bins and converted into reusable plastics in recycling facilities. China, one of the world's largest importers of plastic waste, banned the import of garbage in 2017, causing new countries such as Turkey to come to the forefront in this field. Turkey received the most plastic waste from Europe in 2020. However, this practice has caused these countries to become “the dumping ground of rich countries.” In this qualitative study, Turkey’s plastic consumption and imports are criticized and discussed within the scope of social responsibility. This discussion of due diligence will be evaluated within the scope of the circular economy, environmental policies, and business strategies.