Manisa could be a model city with a recycling economy

President of Manisa Conscious Recycling and Environment Association (MABİGET) Ismail Aydin stated that Manisa, which has understood the importance of recycling and taken active steps in this regard, could be an exemplary city in terms of environmental sustainability and economic development in the future.

President of Manisa Conscious Recycling and Environment Association (MABİGET) Ismail Aydin made statements regarding the importance of recycling and the contributions it can make to the economy of Manisa under the title ‘Recycling Issues and Future Perspectives in Manisa.’ Aydin, emphasizing that recycling is an phenomenon that has existed since the existence of humanity and will continue in the future all around the world, stated, ‘Recycling offers significant benefits such as preserving natural resources, providing energy savings, and reducing waste. In addition, recycling processes reduce environmental pollution and contribute to the economy. Recycling also plays a critical role in sustainability; it is necessary for the sustainable use of natural resources and leaving a cleaner environment for future generations. Developed countries have taken significant steps in recycling and have developed effective policies in this field. However, despite the universality of the importance of recycling, not every country has made progress at the same level. Unfortunately, our country has lagged far behind in these matters and functioned in complete disorder without being subject to any regulations until the late 1991s. The efforts made after 1991 are also not at the desired levels. Firstly, we have not understood the importance of recycling. Although recycling provides the greatest contribution to the environment and the economy, in our country, organizations that pollute the environment are seen. Unfortunately, we do not yet realize the fact that recycling a ton of waste paper prevents the cutting of 17 adult trees and also provides significant energy savings from the recycling of paper.

‘Manisa can be an exemplary city’

Emphasizing that certain steps have started to be taken in recycling activities specifically in Manisa, Aydin pointed out that there is still a long way to go. He continued his statement as follows: ‘Municipalities and local governments organize educational campaigns emphasizing the importance of recycling and try to raise awareness among the public. In addition, efforts are being made to increase the number of recycling facilities and expand the capacity of existing facilities. One of the biggest problems related to recycling in Manisa is that the citizens do not have sufficient knowledge about recycling. This situation leads to low recycling rates. It is aimed to overcome this problem through education and awareness campaigns. Local governments organize activities to increase recycling awareness in schools and communal living spaces. On the other hand, involving industrial facilities in the recycling processes in Manisa will ensure that recycling is done more efficiently. Industrial facilities produce large amounts of waste and recycling these wastes will provide great benefits both environmentally and economically. Collaboration with industrial establishments should be ensured for the effective management of recycling processes. In conclusion, Manisa could be an exemplary city with a recycling economy. Increasing recycling activities in Manisa and raising awareness on this issue are of great importance for both environmental protection and contribution to the economy. It is possible to increase recycling rates and solve the problems in this area through the joint efforts of local governments and the public. A Manisa that has understood the importance of recycling and taken active steps in this regard could be an exemplary city in terms of environmental sustainability and economic development in the future.’