Turkish farmers suffer from UK plastic waste dumped near their fields

Investigations reveal that thirteen British companies exported more than 52,000 tonnes of household plastic to the Kemal Deniz recycling zone near Adana, Turkey, from May 2021 to July 2024. Environmental scientist Sedat Gündoğdu documented a ten-fold rise in microplastics in canals downstream of the site, which feed irrigation channels used by nearby farms. Farmers like Ayhan describe plastic debris, acidic runoff, and smoke from uncontrolled fires damaging their crops and health.

The surge in imports follows China’s 2018 prohibition on plastic waste, making Turkey the main recipient of EU and UK shipments, with 60% of the country’s imports arriving in Adana. Local NGOs and journalists report that inadequate processing infrastructure has spurred illegal dumping and open-air burning, contributing to air, water and soil pollution. While UK exporters claim compliance with regulations, NGOs argue that British waste is a primary driver of the environmental harm. Turkish authorities have not responded to requests for comment.