Turkey’s low e-waste recycling rate results in economic and environmental concerns

E-waste in Türkiye primarily arises from small household devices, major household goods, heaters, laptops, computers, and mobile phones, causing environmental, health, and cyber security risks posed by the improper disposal of electronic devices.
E-waste

Türkiye ranks as the 17th largest producer of electronic waste globally but grapples with a notably low e-waste recycling rate of just 10 percent. This shortfall results in an annual economic loss of approximately 1 billion euros from the 700,000 tons of e-waste generated yearly.

Ali Rıza Öner, head of a waste-to-energy association, emphasised the need to integrate e-waste into the country’s economy for economic and environmental benefits. Highlighting efficiency, Öner noted that while one kilogram of iron requires processing 200 kilograms of rock, the same amount can be extracted from just two kilograms of electronic waste, indicating potential resource savings through improved recycling practices.

The primary sources of e-waste in Türkiye include small household devices such as toasters and vacuum cleaners, which comprise 37 percent of the total e-waste. Major household goods account for 20 percent, heaters contribute 17 percent, while laptops, computers, and notebooks comprise 15 percent. Mobile phones and lighting products contribute 9 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

That categorisation suggests that targeted recycling initiatives could significantly improve e-waste management in Türkiye. Öner also warned of the cybersecurity risks posed by abandoned technological waste, citing the importance of secure disposal methods to prevent data breaches, as evidenced during Israel’s recent attacks on Lebanon.

Why does it matter?

The slow rate of e-waste recycling underscores the urgency of improving Türkiye’s e-waste recycling practices, addressing economic losses, resource recovery efficiency, cybersecurity risks, and environmental hazards.