ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - October 2010
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Cities have many aspects and thus, many problems that need to be addressed. Simply raising a problem and presenting it to the central government might not be the most reasonable approach. Moreover, this method we constantly resort to does not lead us to a solution. The problems I’m referring to are not immediate issues like potholes or an intersection arrangement; these are deeply rooted problems that shape a city’s future, such as trade, industry, tourism, culture, urban transformation, disasters, and infrastructure. The day we realize and implement that we cannot reach a solution just by criticizing, and that the solution lies in proposing a solution project to the issue we are criticizing, an important step will be taken for Elazig and Turkey.
The 2nd National Solid Waste Management Congress, held from October 18-20, 2010 at Mersin University, addressed the important issue of solid waste management in cities both academically and civically. The often heard phrase “China makes money from trash” may actually be true. Researchers, municipal officials, industrialists, and many other participants from various parts of Turkey followed the congress with great interest.
A presentation by a group of researchers from Eskisehir Osmangazi University fully reflected the main theme of the congress. In Eskisehir, the solid waste composition of all neighborhoods under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Municipality had been determined. Solid wastes were categorized into groups such as paper, glass, plastic, food waste, metal, and ash. It was emphasized that all these materials could be recycled and reintegrated into the economy, yet Turkey overlooks this economic potential by burning its waste.
In some regions of our country, albeit limited, serious steps have been taken regarding waste recycling. The disposal of solid waste should be done through recycling. Especially when considering the amount of waste in cities, the importance of this issue becomes evident. Recycling waste such as paper, glass, ash, plastic, metal, and food means different industries for that city. This means industrial development for cities and, to some extent, a solution to unemployment.
The biggest problem regarding the recycling of solid waste is the sorting of trash. By raising environmental awareness, every individual can be made a part of this responsibility. It certainly won’t be easy, but it is not impossible. As people experience the benefits of sorting their waste, they will become more sensitive to this issue. Burning tons of waste materials such as glass, plastic, and paper not only brings no benefit, but the smoke also poses serious harm to the ecological balance. The point where the harm ends and the profit begins is when the relevant institutions and organizations start their collaborative work and projects.
As a nation that believes wastefulness is forbidden, it does not align with our values to burn valuable materials as trash. Everyone should support efforts in this area as a duty to both humanity and their faith. I am confident that if sufficient explanations and persuasive efforts are made, everyone will do their part.
It is essential that not only the relevant faculty members in universities but also public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations follow conferences and symposia on general issues. Such activities are where knowledge, experience, and expertise come together. Individuals, cities, and countries that first adapt to these developments in a way that suits them will succeed and win.
Elazig is one of the cities most suitable for development in terms of its commercial, social, cultural, and geographical position. Evaluating and implementing these advantages is the responsibility of those who live in Elazig or have a deep affection for it.
As long as hearts, hands, ideals, dreams, and capital unite…