Solid waste management efforts in Turkey - Regional solid waste management in Adana-Mersin

Solid waste management in the Adana-Mersin region of Turkey is the subject-matter of this paper. Discussion begins with an introduction to the solid waste management problems in the region and proposals for their alleviation. It then moves on to the modalities proposed in the recent Development Plans of Turkey for the alleviation of those problems, the Seventh Five-year Development Plan in particular. This Plan recommends pro-active and timely measures to be taken to prevent pollution as opposed to dealing with pollution already caused as in the earlier Plans. The place of solid waste management in the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) of Turkey is then discussed. Finally, a study on the development of a solid waste management plan for the Adana-Mersin region is discussed with reference to its various elements such as site selection, appropriate technology, pilot projects, etc. It is argued that appropriate technologies should be developed and promoted to meet the specific conditions and constraints of Turkey in general and those of Adana-Mersin in particular, rather than relying exclusively on imported technologies that are often implemented without adapting them to local conditions, constraints and specific needs. It is also argued that the successful implementation of a solid waste management plan for Adana-Mersin is contingent upon reinforcing the finances of the responsible cleansing organisations. Recommendations are made on how their finances could be improved and reinforced.