UK to Recycling Plants in Adana Is Driving Microplastic Pollution in Irrigation Canals Across Çukurova, One of the World's Most Fertile

The Guardian reported that a farmer in Adana, identified only as Ayhan for security reasons, said plastic waste accumulates in water channels near his fields and smoke from recycling facilities reaches his cropland. Data analyzed by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) shows that between May 2021 and July 2024, 13 British companies sent 52,000 tonnes of household and supermarket plastic waste to the Kemal Deniz recycling zone in Adana, accounting for about 13% of the UK's plastic waste exports to Turkey during that period. The top shippers were ProtoGreen, Vanden, and Eurokey.

While the exports are legal, exporters are obligated to ensure the plastics are recycled without harming the environment. Research by marine biologist Sedat Gündoğdu of Sabancı University's Istanbul Policy Center found microplastic levels in canals downstream of recycling plants were 10 times higher than upstream, with some Adana canals showing differences up to 132 times. Samples contained between 16.5 and 2,174.5 microplastic particles per litre, and the flow could exceed 5.3 billion particles per hour.

Some of these canals are used for agricultural irrigation, and the network extends via the Seyhan River to the Mediterranean. Residents report frequent fires in piles of non-recyclable plastics, blanketing neighborhoods and farmland in toxic smoke. After China stopped importing plastic waste in 2018, Turkey became the largest destination for EU and UK plastic waste, with Adana receiving about 60% of Turkey's imports.

In 2025, the UK exported roughly 675,000 tonnes of plastic waste, about 140,000 tonnes of which went to Turkey, while EU countries sent over 500,000 tonnes, bringing Turkey's total to 643,000 tonnes. EIA legal expert Amy Youngman urged the UK to end plastic waste exports, increase traceability, and reduce plastic production. Biffa Polymers managing director James McLeary called for a ban on unprocessed plastic waste exports and stronger domestic recycling infrastructure.

Eurokey and Vanden officials said they work only with approved facilities and that environmental harm claims should be investigated by authorities. The UK government said strict regulations exist and companies must ensure waste is managed appropriately.