city overview

istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, europe and asia, through the bosphorus strait, is a melting pot of cultures, history, and modernity. known for its rich past, vibrant cultural scene, and magnificent architecture, istanbul is also making strides towards sustainability and zero waste living. as a zero waste communication specialist, our focus is to highlight istanbul's efforts in promoting a circular economy, waste reduction strategies, and the importance of repair over replacement. join us in exploring how istanbul is paving the way for a more sustainable future, both for its residents and the many visitors it welcomes each year.

fun facts

- istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, providing a unique blend of european and asian cultures.

- the historic areas of istanbul were inscribed on the unesco world heritage list in 1985, recognizing the city's rich historical fabric and monumental architecture.

- istanbul is home to the grand bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops, showcasing the city's commitment to traditional crafts and the potential for repair and reuse.

- the city has initiated various zero waste projects, aiming to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling and composting among its residents and businesses.

- istanbul hosts numerous eco-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, emphasizing environmental awareness and sustainable living practices.

- the istanbul municipality has been actively encouraging the use of public transportation and the development of green spaces, contributing to the city's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

- local initiatives such as repair cafes and workshops are gaining popularity, empowering citizens to mend and fix items, thus embracing the principles of a circular economy.

- istanbul's vibrant street food culture not only offers a taste of the city's diverse culinary heritage but also presents opportunities for exploring sustainable food consumption and waste reduction in the food industry.

as we delve into the essence of istanbul, let's celebrate and support the city's journey towards sustainability, zero waste, and a more circular economy, making it a model for cities worldwide.

sustainability snapshot

zero waste achievements:

istanbul, the vibrant city where east meets west, has made significant strides in zero waste initiatives. the city's most notable accomplishment is the establishment of comprehensive waste collection and recycling programs, including the "sıfır atık" (zero waste) project launched by the turkish government. this project aims to minimize waste, encourage recycling, and reduce the dependence on landfills. istanbul has also seen success with its "blue bucket" campaign, encouraging residents to separate recyclable waste at the source.

circular economy efforts:

istanbul is actively investing in circular economy strategies. the city has fostered partnerships with local businesses to promote the reuse and recycling of materials. for instance, istanbul has piloted programs for repurposing construction and demolition waste into new building materials. moreover, the city has seen growth in the second-hand market, which helps extend the life cycle of products and reduces waste.

repair initiatives:

repair initiatives in istanbul are gaining momentum, with community workshops and fix-it clinics becoming more commonplace. these initiatives encourage residents to repair and refurbish household items rather than discard them. the city has supported the opening of various "repair cafés" where volunteers help repair a wide range of products, from electronics to textiles, thus fostering a culture of repair and maintenance.

ongoing projects:

istanbul is working on expanding its waste-to-energy facilities, aiming to convert more of its municipal waste into electricity and heat. the city is also exploring innovative waste management solutions such as smart recycling units that offer incentives for recycling and the implementation of a city-wide composting program to reduce organic waste.

future goals:

looking ahead, istanbul aims to increase its recycling rate significantly, with a goal to recycle at least 60% of all waste by 2030. the city is also looking to establish more zero waste neighborhoods, where waste prevention, separation, and recycling practices are fully integrated into the community's daily routine. additionally, istanbul intends to enhance public awareness and education on zero waste principles through targeted campaigns and school programs.

waste statistics:

- as of the latest data, istanbul generates approximately 17,000 tons of solid waste daily.

- the recycling rate in istanbul has been on the rise but still has room for improvement, with estimates around 20% of waste being recycled.

- electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is an area of focus, with the city aiming to increase its collection and recycling rates for electronics.

- organic waste constitutes a significant portion of istanbul's waste stream, prompting the city to invest in better collection and composting solutions.

by continuing to invest in these areas, istanbul is working toward a more sustainable future, lessening its environmental impact, and moving closer to achieving its zero waste objectives.