04.12.2025 11:46
The long-standing waste problem in İzmir is particularly felt severely in Buca. The issue, which has grown with the closure of the Harmandalı Landfill, has led to the formation of garbage mountains in the outskirts, increasing bad odors and health risks. Even after the strike at the Buca Municipality, the uncollected trash has caused citizens to protest, while images shared on social media have sparked a strong reaction with comments like "İzmir does not deserve these views."
The garbage problem in İzmir, which has not been resolved permanently, is most felt in Buca. Especially in the outskirts, garbage mountains forming next to almost every park are spreading diseases and making it difficult to breathe due to the bad smell.
With the closure of the Harmandalı Landfill, where illegal dumping was taking place, İzmir's daily garbage problem has also grown. The İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, along with all other municipalities, is trying to dispose of waste through illegal dumping in designated areas. Municipalities struggling to collect around 5,000 tons of garbage daily are leaving citizens captive to bad smells and ugly views in the neighborhoods.
THE DISTRICT THAT FIRST COMES TO MIND WHEN "GARBAGE" IS MENTIONED
Residents disturbed by the garbage stored at the Buca Municipality Cleaning Works Directorate have been trying to make their voices heard through protests for the past two weeks. The helplessness of the municipalities against the garbage mountains that threaten the environment with fires breaking out almost every week is driving the public crazy.
THE SAME VIEW ON ALMOST EVERY STREET
Due to the strike of Buca Municipality workers who have not received their salaries for months, the garbage that has not been collected has become a part of the district even after the strike. Despite the absence of a strike, garbage mountains are noticeable on almost every street, especially in the outskirts. Citizens who go to the park with their children to relax and breathe are exposed to the bad smell spreading from the garbage piled up next to the parks. Burning garbage containers and trash bags scattered by street animals have made the ugly view unbearable for the citizens.
“İZMIR DOES NOT DESERVE THESE VIEWS”
The garbage mountains of İzmir shared on social media, with ugly images taken from different regions, have not been resolved despite thousands of negative comments. Citizens saying, "İzmir does not deserve these views. Why is it so hard to collect garbage regularly?" are waiting for a permanent solution for clean air and a clean neighborhood.