12.03.2026 16:25
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change announced that restrictions on the use of single-use plastic products such as forks, plates, and straws will gradually begin on September 1st.
The General Director of Environmental Management of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Fatih Turan, announced that restrictions on the use of certain single-use plastic products are planned to be gradually implemented starting from September 1.
"THE AIM IS NOT TO BAN PRODUCTS BUT TO PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION"
Turan made a statement regarding the regulation prepared to ban the market supply of certain single-use products in order to reduce plastic pollution within the scope of the Zero Waste vision. Stating that the work on the regulation to restrict single-use plastics has reached its final stage, Turan said that the regulation is an important part of the circular economy action plan and waste management strategy.
Pointing out that plastic products have a significant share in environmental pollution, Turan expressed that these products take many years to decompose in nature, and that especially the non-recyclable types pose serious risks to the ecosystem.
Stating that plastic cups, beverage and food containers, plastic forks, spoons, and knives, cotton swabs, and balloon sticks are among the single-use plastic products commonly used in daily life, Turan said, "The aim here is not to ban all plastic products, but to restrict the use of single-use products that are non-recyclable and cause environmental pollution."
IMPLEMENTATION STARTS FROM SEPTEMBER 1
Stating that the draft regulation has been opened for the opinions of relevant institutions, organizations, civil society organizations, and universities, Turan expressed that necessary arrangements regarding the scope and implementation schedule could be made after the evaluation process.
Turan said, "We plan to implement restrictions on some products starting from September 1, and for some products, from the beginning of 2027. Recyclable or biodegradable alternative products can be used instead of single-use plastics."
Indicating that products made from eco-friendly materials such as paper, wood, and bamboo provide alternatives in this context, Turan stated that the regulation would not complicate daily life, but rather aims to reduce the pressure on the environment.
Recalling that the recycling rate in Turkey has reached 40% in recent years with Zero Waste practices, Turan noted that the goal is to increase the recycling rate to over 60% in line with the net zero emissions target for 2053 in the long term.