Turkish farmers in Adana bear the cost of UK plastic waste exports

British plastic waste exports to Turkey are causing severe pollution in Adana, where farmers report contaminated waterways, toxic smoke, and microplastics damaging their land and crops. Thirteen UK companies shipped 52,000 tonnes of waste to a recycling zone near agricultural fields between May 2021 and July 2024. Research shows microplastic concentrations in canals downstream from recycling facilities are up to 132 times higher than upstream, with wastewater discharged directly into irrigation channels. Local residents say fires from unrecyclable plastic piles create toxic smoke over neighbourhoods several times yearly, while farmers claim complaints are ignored. Turkey became the primary destination for UK and EU plastic waste after China's 2018 import ban, with Adana receiving 60% of Turkey's imports. Environmental groups urge the UK to phase out plastic waste exports, while UK companies maintain they work with accredited partners and comply with regulations.