UK Plastic Waste Exports Pollute Turkey's Farmland 2026

The UK's plastic waste exports are directly linked to severe pollution in Turkey's farming heartland, as a Guardian investigation reveals high levels of microplastics in waterways that irrigate the Çukurova plain. This practice, often termed 'waste colonialism,' highlights the environmental injustice of shipping waste to less regulated countries. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter export controls and sustainable waste management.

How UK Plastic Waste Ends Up in Turkish Farmland

British companies exported 675,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2025, the largest amount in eight years, with 139,000 tonnes shipped to Turkey. A significant portion, about 13%, went to eight recycling facilities in Adana, near the Çukurova plain. These facilities process the waste, but inadequate handling leads to plastic fragments entering local waterways, which then flood into agricultural fields after heavy rain.

The pollution is not just an eyesore; it poses a direct threat to food safety and soil health. The waterway, contaminated with microplastics, is used for irrigating crops, meaning plastic particles can be absorbed by plants and enter the food chain. This affects local farmers and consumers, who are often unaware of the contamination.

The Scale of the Problem

An analysis by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) found that 13 British companies sent 545 shipments, totaling 52,000 tonnes, to the Adana hub between May 2021 and July 2024. This is a clear indication of the volume of waste that is being mismanaged. The EU's exports to Turkey also rose by 19% to over 500,000 tonnes, exacerbating the issue.

Environmental campaigners argue that these exports are driving the pollution, leaving the city's poorer residents to bear the health and economic costs. Despite UK pledges to reduce plastic pollution, the government has not committed to a ban on exports, and treaty negotiations have stalled until 2027.

Comparison of Plastic Waste Exports (2025)

Key Takeaways

• Waste colonialism persists as rich nations export plastic waste to poorer countries with weaker regulations.
• UK plastic waste exports to Turkey are at an all-time high, directly contaminating agricultural water sources.
• Microplastics in irrigation water pose a serious risk to food safety and soil health.
• Current international treaties fail to address the root cause, with negotiations delayed until 2027.
• Consumers and farmers in Turkey are disproportionately affected by pollution they did not create.

What Can Be Done?

To combat this crisis, the UK and EU must adopt stricter export bans and invest in domestic recycling infrastructure. Companies should be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their waste, including where it ends up. Additionally, supporting local recycling initiatives in Turkey can help reduce the environmental burden.

Consumers can also play a role by reducing plastic use and demanding transparent supply chains. However, systemic change is essential to stop the cycle of waste colonialism and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.

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