The Regulation on the Control of Packaging Waste governs the production, market release, and management of packaging waste in line with environmental protection, sustainable resource use, and circular economy principles. Based on the zero waste approach, the regulation prioritizes the prevention of packaging waste generation and, when unavoidable, emphasizes reuse, recycling, and recovery methods. Packaging must be designed to be recyclable or reusable, with restrictions placed on the use of hazardous heavy metals during production. Marking and labeling of packaging is mandated to ensure transparency and support waste separation by consumers. The regulation also introduces pricing measures to reduce the use of plastic bags, aiming to lower annual per capita plastic bag usage to no more than 40 by the end of 2025.

The regulation clearly defines the responsibilities of packaging producers, suppliers, retailers, local authorities, and the Turkish Environmental Agency. A deposit return system is made mandatory for certain types of single-use beverage packaging, requiring compliance with specific criteria for labeling, registration, and transparent display of deposit fees. Recycling and recovery targets are set for different periods; for example, a 65% recycling rate is expected by 2030, increasing to 70% from 2031 onward. All stakeholders are required to register with the Packaging Information System and submit annual declarations and reports. By enforcing these responsibilities and promoting resource efficiency, the regulation aims not only to minimize environmental harm but also to reintegrate packaging waste into the economy as valuable secondary materials.

The content of this legislation is for informational purposes only.
For the most up-to-date version, please visit mevzuat.gov.tr.