Rising Concerns: 460 Recycling Facility Fires in Just 5 Years
Plastic Recycling Facilities in Turkey: A Burning Issue
Plastic is known for its high-burning feature, which makes it ignite quickly and burn for hours. However, the real danger lies in the carcinogenic chemicals released during the burning process, which pose a serious threat to both nature and human health. Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu, from the Faculty of Fisheries and founder of the Microplastic Research Group, has been studying fires in plastic recycling facilities across Turkey. According to his ‘Fire Map’ project, there have been 460 fires in the last 5 years, with 115 fires reported in 2024 alone.
One of the main reasons for these fires, as Dr. Gündoğdu points out, is the improper storage of plastics with different materials. Most of the fires start in the warehouses where plastic recycling materials are stored together, leading to a high risk of combustion. Dr. Gündoğdu emphasizes the importance of storing plastics separately and avoiding contamination with other materials such as batteries or food.
Extinguishing fires in plastic recycling facilities is a challenging task, as water alone is not effective due to the high-burning nature of plastic. Special chemicals are required to contain the flames, and it is crucial to handle these chemicals with care to prevent environmental disasters. The smoke produced during the burning process contains carcinogenic heavy chemicals that not only threaten human health but also contribute to the climate crisis.
It is estimated that when 1 ton of plastic burns, 3 tons of carbon dioxide are released, further exacerbating the environmental impact of these fires. Dr. Gündoğdu urges municipalities to take responsibility for preventing such incidents and stresses the need for proper storage and handling of plastic recycling materials. By addressing these issues, we can work towards a safer and more sustainable future for our planet.
