Türkiye targets 80% recycling rate by 2053, says COP31 president

Türkiye's Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said on Monday that Ankara aims to raise its national recycling rate from the current 37% to 80% by 2053 as part of a comprehensive circular economy strategy, speaking to Turkish journalists during London Climate Action Week.

Kurum noted that a deposit return system for containers will enter into force on July 1, while regulations restricting single-use plastics are scheduled for publication in September. He also stated that Ankara aims to cut overall waste generation by 50%, emphasizing that imported paper and certain plastics serve as raw materials for domestic production rather than "garbage."

COP31 'implementation' summit

The minister said Türkiye intends for the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Antalya — set for November — to be remembered as the "implementation COP." "We call it the 'implementation COP.' We are building it on action, consensus and dialogue," Kurum said. The conference agenda will prioritize Zero Waste initiatives, clean energy transition, food security, climate-resilient cities, and green industrialization, he added.

Referring to recent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Kurum stated that fossil fuel dependence risks have become increasingly visible, underscoring the strategic importance of renewable energy and energy independence. Renewable sources currently account for approximately 62% of Türkiye’s installed power capacity, with ongoing investments in hydro, wind, solar and nuclear projects, according to the minister.

Resilient cities agenda

Kurum cited Türkiye's reconstruction efforts following the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes as a practical example of resilient urban development under the COP31 agenda, noting that authorities completed work across 3,500 separate sites in 11 provinces to deliver permanent homes within two years. "Seeing Türkiye’s determination and stable stance through the work we have done, they believe Türkiye can carry out the COP31 presidency," he said.

Asked about the US stance on climate action, Kurum noted that the green transition depends not only on governments but also on private sector dynamics and patterns of production and consumption.