The returnable packaging application, which is planned to start on January 1, 2022 in the separation and recycling of plastic waste at the source in Turkey; It was postponed to 1 January 2023 with the decision of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
Şener Gencer, Chairman of the Board of the Aegean Plastics Industrialists Association (EGEPLASDER) and Vice President of the Plastics Industrialists' Federation (PLASFED), commented on the decision; In the statement they made on December 12, 2021, he reminded that they suggested that the application to start all over the country be postponed due to the fact that the collection and reimbursement system is not ready.
“3 PILOTS MUST START IN CITIES”
Noting that as the plastics industry, they have supported the practice from the very beginning, but starting the practice before the establishment of the machines to collect waste plastics in chain markets and shopping malls is not ready yet, Gençer made the following assessment:
“It is impossible not to get excited about the project of our ministry. The deposit application will of course make a serious contribution to our industry and will elevate our country in terms of source separation and recycling, which we have been talking about for many years. With the application, not only will environmental risks be reduced, but our recycling sector, which is very strong in our country, will import less waste plastics. However, in a country like Turkey with a population of 85 million and a consumption of only 20 billion in beverage packaging, we believe that such practices should be done with great care and anticipating the possible consequences. For this reason, we suggested that it be started as a pilot in Antalya, Muğla and İzmir, which have high human circulation and high tourist populations. We think that it will spread all over the country after the deficiencies are observed and eliminated. The technical infrastructure of the system should be completed at the collection points in 2022 and our citizens should be informed in detail.”
“4. DELAY CREATES SECURITY”
Pointing out that it is not easy for the online central data system and internet-connected deposit return machines to be procured and spread across the country under today's conditions, Şener Gençer stated that they expect these supply and logistics problems to be resolved by January 1, 2023, when the application will start. He also stated that postponing will create a sense of insecurity in the eyes of both producers and citizens.
HOW DO THE SYSTEM WORK?
With the deposit system to be carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, other packaged products to be determined, primarily beverages, will be included in the deposit management system. There will be a visible, legible, incorruptible, non-perishable "Repository" statement on the packaging labels, and system-specific barcodes will be used.
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