Current status of zero waste practices in Samsun province, problems and solution suggestions

Increasing industrialization, urbanization, rapid population growth and migration in the world have turned waste into an environmental problem. Studies are being conducted to reduce waste, add it to the economy and contribute to nature. The concept of "Zero Waste" has become widespread since the 1970s in order to reduce waste and add it to the economy through recycling. The aim of the study is to contribute to the creation and implementation of the policies needed in our country in line with the Zero Waste Project and Zero Waste Management System. The importance of the study is to ensure that the zero waste project is implemented and developed in a planned and systematic manner, to reduce waste, to contribute to the economy, to reduce the use of exhaustible natural resources, to increase recycling rates and to reduce environmental pollution. Within the scope of our study, waste types, factors affecting the zero waste project, solid waste policies of public institutions, organizations and local governments in Samsun province, and studies and activities carried out in line with the zero waste project were examined. In our study, the document analysis/document review technique, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Theses, books, articles, notifications and reports were analyzed within the scope of the literature review. According to the findings obtained in our research; It has been determined that the studies carried out within the scope of the zero waste project in our country and in Samsun province continue, there is a lack of personnel and equipment in local administrations within the scope of the zero waste project in Samsun province, licensed waste collection companies do not collect waste on time, the zero waste information system is not used efficiently, sufficient awareness activities are not carried out for citizens, and citizens cannot access waste collection equipment and vehicles quickly and easily throughout the province. It has been determined that the zero waste project has not fully taken its place as a public project and policy in our country and in Samsun province. Within the scope of the SWOT analysis study regarding the current status of zero waste applications in Samsun province, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats have been evaluated. It is necessary for the necessary budget to be allocated for the zero waste project by institutions and organizations, the deposit return system to be widely used throughout our country, recycling rates to be increased to higher levels throughout our country and in Samsun province, wastes to be collected by separating them in a systematic and planned manner and the zero waste project to be adopted as a public policy throughout the country.