Supporting Circular Economy while Preserving the Environment with Zero Waste Practices

Osmangazi Electricity Distribution Inc. (OEDAŞ), an electricity distribution company providing services in Afyonkarahisar, Bilecik, Eskişehir, Kütahya, and Uşak, invests in waste management with the goal of environmental protection, human health, and preserving all resources. By separating waste generated from its operations and implementing a zero waste management system at its central offices, OEDAŞ both protects the environment and contributes to the circular economy. OEDAŞ Director Muzaffer Yalçın provided information about waste management efforts and zero waste goals on the occasion of the Global Recycling Day on March 18th.

“We Reduce Our Waste and Turn the Remainder into Economic Value”

Yalçın stated that they have been awarded the ‘Basic Level Zero Waste Certificate’ by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, and added, “We classify waste materials generated within our operations, store them under appropriate conditions, and then deliver them to authorized recycling facilities. As a result of our increasingly improved practices, in 2023, we contributed a total of 9.9 tons of recyclable waste to the economy, including 4.3 tons of paper, 1.5 tons of plastic, 2.5 tons of glass, 68 kilograms of metal, 23 kilograms of waste batteries, and 1.4 tons of mixed waste. Not only do we separate our waste, but we also reduce its quantity.”

Yalçın explained the gains they achieved through the 9.9 tons of waste they recycled in 2023 as follows:

“With our waste management practices, we saved 84 trees from being cut down and reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 41.7 tons. Additionally, we saved 6,636 liters of oil, 560 tons of raw materials, 138 cubic meters of water, and 224,472 kWh of energy.”

“We Fulfill Our Responsibilities towards Environmental Sustainability”

Yalçın also provided information about OEDAŞ’s vision of zero waste, stating, “By 2030, we aim to reduce our waste by 50% compared to 2023, and by 2050, we aim to achieve zero waste. In addition to this goal, we fulfill our responsibilities towards environmental sustainability by conducting afforestation efforts aimed at reducing our carbon footprint, implementing biodiversity practices, and investing in renewable energy in the region we serve, as well as towards our country and the world.”