Turkey remains major destination for European plastic waste

Turkey remains a primary destination for plastic waste exported from Europe. According to Basel Action Network (BAN) data, Germany exported 814,000 tons of plastic waste in 2025, with approximately 20% of that volume sent to Turkey. The United Kingdom is also a major exporter to the country. In 2025, Turkey imported roughly 500,000 tons of plastic waste specifically from European Union member states.

Despite these volumes, environmental concerns persist regarding the management of these materials. A European Commission assessment noted difficulties in monitoring the international waste trade and uncertainty regarding the enforcement of EU waste regulations in Turkey. Some industry stakeholders estimated that only about 10% of plastic waste in Turkey is effectively recycled, with much of the remainder ending up in landfills or leaking into the environment.

Experts have warned that improper disposal methods pose significant risks, including the potential for microplastics to contaminate agricultural lands. While the EU Waste Shipment Regulation requires assessments to determine if such exports cause significant environmental or public health damage, the Commission concluded in September that exports could continue, noting that Turkey has strengthened its regulatory frameworks.