Çanakkale volunteers launch community cleanup initiative

The “Tertemiz Bir Çanakkale Topluluğu” (A Clean Çanakkale Community), a volunteer group composed of individuals from various professions, is conducting regular cleanup operations across Çanakkale. The group targets streets, coastal areas, the Sarıçay vicinity, and forested regions to collect waste including plastic, glass bottles, and packaging.

Founded approximately 1.5 months ago by Yusuf Kaya, a graduate student at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, the group has grown from three members to approximately 40. Volunteers meet several times a week to collect and sort waste before delivering it to relevant authorities for proper disposal.

Kaya stated that while those who litter may be a minority, the city remains heavily affected by waste. He attributed the issue to factors such as insufficient trash containers and a lack of wind protection for bins. He emphasized that environmental cleanliness requires a combination of public awareness, increased inspections, and stricter penalties, noting that municipal efforts alone are not enough to maintain a clean city.