The “We Don’t Waste, We Compost” project, which was implemented by the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality last year, stands out as an important step towards the evaluation of organic waste and the creation of an environmentally friendly production model. Thanks to this exemplary project, the Metropolitan Municipality both reduces the amount of waste and creates a sustainable cycle by using the natural compost it produces in its own parks and gardens. Over 300 cubic meters of compost have been produced to date in the modern Compost Production Facility established within the Merkez Sarıibrahimli Solid Waste Regular Storage and Recycling Facility.
Different Organic Wastes Are Evaluated
Mahmut Esen, a Landscape Technician working at the Metropolitan Municipality Climate Change and Zero Waste Department, provided detailed information about the operation of the project. Esen stated that pruning waste collected by the Parks and Gardens Department, organic waste from the fruit and vegetable market, tea and coffee pulp, and tripe waste obtained from slaughterhouses were brought together in a single area. Esen stated that this collected organic waste was kept for a few months to mature biologically in the natural process, and that after this waiting period, the waste was sifted and made ready for use.
Wide Range of Use of Produced Compost
Landscape Technician Mahmut Esen also provided information about the usage areas of approximately 300 cubic meters of compost produced so far. He stated that the natural fertilizer obtained is primarily used in the planting and sowing activities of the Metropolitan Municipality Parks and Gardens Department, especially in the planting of median strips and intersections. He also stated that compost is distributed to students in various events organized by the Metropolitan Municipality to increase environmental awareness and within the scope of the “We Unite for Plastic-Free Mersin Coasts” project. Esen also touched on the numerous benefits of compost for soil structure, emphasizing that this natural fertilizer improves the physical and chemical structure of the soil, helps it retain its moisture and increases water permeability thanks to its soil conditioning feature. Esen added that the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality will continue to popularize this environmentally friendly practice with the slogan “We Don’t Waste, We Compost.”
Compost, the Lifeblood of the Soil
Görkem Arkan, a landscape architect working at the Metropolitan Municipality Parks and Gardens Department, provided details about the compost production process. Arkan said that the basis of compost production is the grinding of organic waste such as leaves, branches, other renewable plant waste, sawdust from carpentry workshops, tea and coffee pulp into a natural and organic fertilizer. He stated that they work in cooperation with the Climate Change and Zero Waste Department and use the compost produced as the Parks and Gardens Department, especially for the planting of intersections and median strips and the cultivation of potted flowers. Arkan emphasized that compost significantly increases the water retention and moisture capacity of the soil, balances the water and moisture needs of plants, and regulates the pH value of the soil. He also stated that compost supports healthy growth by providing plants with the basic elements and minerals they need. Landscape Architect Görkem Arkan added that as Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, they will continue to implement and disseminate environmentally friendly practices in order to protect the ecological balance and ensure sustainability. This project represents an environmentally sensitive approach that will set an example for other municipalities.
