Evaluation of the Zero Waste Project in Istanbul District Municipalities from the Perspective of Sustainable Urban Planning

Abstract

Rapid migration towards cities is occurring due to economic and social reasons. Industrialization, urbanization, and changes in consumption habits are creating environmental problems. Sustainable urban planning is necessary to ensure people’s quality of life in future cities. The establishment of strategic waste management processes is crucial. This topic encompasses the awareness, education, adaptation, and implementation of them by urban residents. The “Zero Waste Project” was initiated in Türkiye in 2017, and local governments have a significant responsibility for its implementation. City administrations strive to create clean, healthy, contemporary, and livable environmental conditions for their stakeholders. The aim of this study was to examine the Zero Waste Project system, an important approach for planning sustainable cities. Istanbul has 39 district municipalities. In this study, the amount of waste collected by the municipalities affiliated with Istanbul within the scope of the “Zero Waste Project” in 2022 was determined. Data were obtained from the “Zero Waste Project Implementation” sections of the 2022 activity reports of the 39 district municipalities. Data on the quantities in the categories of packaging, glass, clothing and textiles, electronics, batteries, vegetable oil, pharmaceuticals, tires, motor oil, and wood waste were obtained. This help us understand, the implementation of waste management systems in Istanbul district municipalities. In addition, the “Zero Waste Awareness and Incentive” activities carried out in Istanbul district municipalities are emphasized. The Zero Waste Project has the potential to improve the sustainability of urban living. It can be evaluated as a participatory environmental policy in terms of sustainable urban planning.