Turkey converts food waste into animal feed in 74 provinces

Under the Zero Waste Project, food waste collected from public institutions and mass consumption areas in Turkey is being repurposed into animal feed for stray animals. This initiative involves collecting waste from dormitories, military units, hospitals, prisons, hotels, and restaurants through governorships and municipalities.

Currently, 74 provinces in Turkey possess machinery and equipment for this conversion process. While the total daily production capacity of these machines is over 65,000 kilograms, the actual current daily production stands at 31,274 kilograms. Seven provinces—Iğdır, Kahramanmaraş, Kırıkkale, Kocaeli, Kütahya, Samsun, and Tunceli—currently lack the necessary equipment for this process.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have recommended that food items slated for destruction due to insurance or inspection protocols also be evaluated for conversion into animal feed. The goal is to expand these production facilities to all provinces to improve animal welfare and the efficient use of public resources.