Germany shipped 814,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2025, with Turkey receiving the largest share

Germany’s 2025 plastic waste exports hit 814,000 metric tons, the largest volume recorded globally, according to Basel Action Network data. Of that total, Turkey imported 154,000 tons, a rise from 72,000 tons the previous year and representing 18.9 percent of Germany’s shipments. Biologist Sedat Gündoğdu explained that microplastics released by Turkish processing facilities can contaminate crops, potentially bringing pollution back to Europe through food exports.

Studies have found elevated microplastic levels in irrigation canals near recycling sites and in various fruits and vegetables grown in affected regions. The European Union plans to prohibit plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries from late 2026, leaving OECD members such as Turkey exempt and raising concerns that European waste may be redirected there. Turkish officials and industry groups argue the imports support recycling jobs, while environmental groups warn the volume exceeds safe processing capacity.