Ordu hosts Zero Waste Workshop to promote circular economy

The Zero Waste Workshop was held at Ordu University to develop local and national strategies for resource efficiency, waste prevention, and sustainable environmental management. Organized by the Zero Waste Foundation as part of a nationwide series of workshops, the event focused on the theme of ‘Waste, Waste, and Resource Management from Local to National.’

Participants addressed various thematic areas through 15 working groups, including climate and disaster management, water efficiency, agriculture, food, plastic waste, and digital transformation. The goal is to develop solution proposals tailored to the specific needs of Ordu.

Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Hilmi Güler highlighted local initiatives to integrate waste into the economy. He noted that the city has established a factory to produce activated carbon from hazelnut shells, a material used for purifying water and air as well as in medical applications. Additionally, the city produces pellets from hazelnut husks, which possess an energy value of 4,650 calories and can be used for drying hazelnuts, mitigating issues caused by rainfall.

Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Bayram Ay emphasized that zero waste involves more than just collection; it requires efficient resource use and reducing waste at the source to support sustainable agricultural production.