UK Plastic Waste Exports Harm Turkish Farmers – New Data 2026

UK plastic waste exports are causing severe environmental damage in Turkey, with new data showing that 52,000 tonnes of household and supermarket plastic waste were shipped to Adana between May 2021 and July 2024. This waste is polluting waterways, farmland, and air, directly harming local farmers like Ayhan, who says 'nobody cares' about the toxic fumes and debris affecting his crops.

The Scale of UK Plastic Waste Exports to Turkey

According to data analyzed for the Guardian by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), 13 British companies sent 545 shipments of plastic waste to the Kemal Deniz recycling zone in Adana, Turkey. This makes Turkey the primary destination for UK plastic waste since China's 2018 ban on plastic imports.

Adana receives 60% of Turkey's plastic waste imports, overwhelming local treatment infrastructure and leading to illegal dumping and burning. The influx has created a public health and environmental crisis in one of Turkey's most fertile agricultural regions.

Impact on Local Farmers and Agriculture

Farmers in the Çukurova plain, known for cotton, soya beans, and citrus fruits, are bearing the brunt of this pollution. Plastic debris clings to reeds in waterways, toxic fumes from burning waste coat greenhouse tarps with black residue, and canal flooding after heavy rain has destroyed crops.

Ayhan, an aubergine farmer, lost seven hectares of crops to floodwater contaminated with plastic waste. He claims there is no recourse: 'Nowhere to file a complaint – nobody cares.' The pollution also threatens food safety and the livelihoods of thousands of local families.

Environmental and Health Consequences

New research shared with the Guardian shows high levels of microplastics in Adana's waterways, including next to the recycling zone. Fires from abandoned piles of unrecyclable plastic release toxic smoke over neighborhoods and fields, causing respiratory issues and long-term health risks.

Marine biologist Sedat Gündoğdu warns that microplastics are entering the food chain, affecting both human health and biodiversity. The pollution also degrades soil quality, reducing agricultural productivity and increasing costs for farmers.

Comparison of Plastic Waste Management: UK vs. Turkey

Key Takeaways

• UK plastic waste exports to Turkey have surged since China's 2018 ban, with 52,000 tonnes sent to Adana in just over three years.
• Local farmers face crop destruction, soil contamination, and health risks from toxic fumes and microplastics.
• Illegal dumping and burning are widespread due to inadequate infrastructure and enforcement.
• There is an urgent need for the UK to take responsibility for its waste and invest in domestic recycling.
• Consumers can pressure companies to adopt sustainable packaging and support stricter export regulations.

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