Türkiye to Ban Single-Use Plastics Under New Plan

Türkiye is moving to ban single-use plastics as part of a new circular economy plan aimed at enhancing environmental progress. The Minister of Environment announced that the ban will target common disposable items such as plastic cutlery, forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, plates, straws, and cotton buds.

This initiative is currently in the draft stage and is expected to take effect by the end of the year following consultations with industry leaders and NGOs. The plan aims to significantly reduce plastic pollution and is projected to cut annual carbon emissions by 1.5 million tons, saving approximately $44 million in waste management costs.

A joint survey by the Minister and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) revealed that 76% of citizens support restrictions on disposable plastics, while 80% favor a shift toward reusable materials like metal and ceramics. The official action plan will enter force on October 20, 2025, with specific targets to reduce single-use plastics, marine litter, and microplastics by 2028.