Turkey and Southeast Asia become major recipients of EU plastic waste

In 2025, the European Union exported approximately 1.5 million tons of waste plastic. Turkey emerged as a primary recipient, receiving 503,000 tons—a 19 percent increase from the previous year and a record high. Significant quantities were also sent to Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia (276,000 tons), Indonesia (215,000 tons), and Vietnam (137,000 tons).

Environmental concerns have been raised regarding these exports. In Adana, Turkey, studies indicated that microplastics from recycling facilities are entering irrigation channels used for agriculture. Much of the exported material consists of mixed, contaminated, or low-quality plastics that are more difficult and expensive to process than pure PET.

To address waste management, the EU plans to implement a ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries starting November 21, 2026. However, this restriction will not apply to Turkey, as it remains an OECD member.