Antalya, a vital agricultural center, intensively cultivates crops, particularly in greenhouse farming, to meet domestic and international demand for fruits and vegetables. However, this has led to a parallel increase in pesticide use, with Antalya consuming 10.1% of Türkiye's annual 50,000-ton pesticide supply. Uncontrolled pesticide use has adverse environmental effects, including habitat degradation, soil and water pollution. 

 

The project's core objective is to devise innovative solutions, preserving fertile agricultural land and water resources for future generations by addressing these pressing issues.

 

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality is dedicated to reducing emissions by at least 40% by 2030 in line with Paris Agreement and the Covenant of Mayors. The Antalya Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan addresses climate change adaptation, including aspects like landscape, agriculture, transportation, energy management, environmental health, water management, and more. The plan also integrates disaster reduction measures in line with the Sendai framework and aligns with Türkiye's 11th Development Plan and the SDGs in the Antalya Strategic Plan, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, emissions reduction, and global sustainable development objectives.

 

The project aims to raise environmental awareness among farmers in Türkiye by using the circular economy model, focusing on "The Protector Wins" instead of "The Polluter Pays". The strategy is to collect points, protect your health, and win prizes to encourage sustainable practices. The business model is based on the take-make-dispose model, and the Zero Waste Branch Directorate was established to increase institutional capacity. 

 

The project began in 2016 and has been implemented in Antalya, Türkiye, where the use of pesticide packaging waste ranks third worldwide. In 2022, the project was chosen as a pilot district and began using smart containers at six points where agricultural production is intense. The project continues to be implemented sustainably and expands its scale.

 

Experts identified a growing waste problem in agriculturally intensive Finike and Kumluca districts, driven by excessive agricultural packaging waste. Departments of Environmental Protection, Zero Waste, and Agricultural Department collaborated, conducting farmer interviews and designing the project. Private sector involvement enhanced it with innovative equipment, including user-friendly keychain cards for farmers. Software accessible on phones and computers facilitates data monitoring and scoring based on the 1 gram = 1 point criterion. This comprehensive approach aims to address the waste issue in these regions effectively.

 

During the project, 13 waste vending machines were deployed, with 6 in Kumluca and Finike districts, engaging 2041 farmers. This effort collected 1200 kg of waste, enabling 21 users to receive awards. 17 farmers were awarded in the first stage. The project raised environmental awareness among the 2041 farmers, fostering sustainable practices. The collected waste packaging was recycled, re-entering the circular economy. Farmers gained rewards for agricultural tools, incentivizing behavior change. The municipality maintains transparency by sharing waste data through ceremonies, with agricultural chambers, annual reports, and inventory data. Currently in Antalya, plans are underway for nationwide expansion, promoting broader environmental sustainability.

 

The project was funded using municipal resources and plays a vital role in contributing to the circular economy. Circular economy principles prioritize sustainable resource use and waste reduction. This initiative promotes material recycling, energy generation, reuse, alternative materials development, sustainable production, innovation, and employment opportunities. Operating on the take-make-dispose model, the circular economy system aims to eliminate waste and pollution by maximizing the utilization of products and materials. The financing model seeks to shift citizens' perception from the "Polluter Pays" concept to "Protector Wins" within the circular economy framework, challenging long-held misconceptions about waste and responsibility.

 

The waste management initiative involves public-public, public-citizen cooperation between metropolitan and district municipalities for waste collection and storage. Additionally, there's a public-private collaboration with a local company that manufactures innovative waste vending machines. These machines, utilizing solar panels for energy, can operate for up to 60 days. They feature impact sensors, cameras, GPS tracking, and fire prevention mechanisms. This unique partnership, involving municipalities, citizens, private sectors, and academia, addresses agricultural packaging waste, preventing leachate through innovative coating techniques. This technology has the potential to benefit countries with similar agricultural patterns. Ongoing software improvements and capacity enhancements are part of future plans, promising economic development through increased suppliers, service providers, employment opportunities, and company capacity in various cities and municipalities. 

 

Smart Container Technology: The use of smart containers that are powered by solar energy and equipped with fireball technology is a significant innovation. Solar-powered containers are sustainable and reduce the environmental impact associated with energy consumption. The incorporation of fireball technology enhances safety, especially when dealing with hazardous waste materials.

 

Waste Vending Machines: The introduction of "Waste Vending Machines" for the collection of agricultural packaging waste is a novel approach. These machines provide a convenient and accessible way for farmers to dispose of their waste properly, encouraging responsible waste management.

 

Digital Tracking and Monitoring: The integration of cameras and real-time monitoring of the waste vending machines enhances transparency and accountability. This digital infrastructure ensures that the containers are used correctly and helps prevent misuse or illegal dumping.

 

Rewards System: The implementation of a rewards system through key fob cards encourages farmers to participate actively in the waste collection process. Farmers are incentivized to dispose of waste properly, and the reward points can further motivate them to adopt eco-friendly practices.

 

Data Accessibility: Providing farmers with access to their current points, rewards, and the locations of vending machines through a dedicated mobile application and internet platform enhances user engagement and convenience. It also promotes transparency and accountability.

 

Reuse of Agricultural Waste: The project's emphasis on allowing farmers to use the collected agricultural waste in their farming activities promotes a circular economy approach. This reduces the need for new materials and encourages sustainable practices within the agricultural sector.

 

Environmental Impact Mitigation: By targeting the prevention of plastic pollution from pesticide-containing agricultural packaging, the project addresses soil degradation, soil pollution, and groundwater pollution, which are critical environmental and health concerns.

 

Pioneering Initiative: The fact that this project is described as a "first in the country" indicates its pioneering nature and potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions or countries facing similar challenges.

 

Overall, the Eco-Friendly Farmer Card Project in Antalya showcases a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to tackling agricultural packaging waste and its associated environmental and health issues. It combines technology, incentives, and environmental stewardship to create a more sustainable and responsible agricultural sector.

 

 

Awareness and Education: Farmers were not aware of the benefits of the program or the importance of proper waste disposal. Effective training and reward systems were introduced to engage farmers and encourage their participation.

 

Security and Vandalism: Vending machines and digital systems can be vulnerable to vandalism or theft. Vending machines are equipped with alarm systems and cameras to ensure the security of the machines and data.

 

Sustainability of the Reward System: Sustaining the reward system in the long term can be challenging. Finding a reliable source of funding or incentives to engage farmers could be a barrier.

 

Scale and Expansion: Scaling up the project may require significant logistical, financial and administrative efforts.

 

Overcoming these barriers may require a combination of government support, community engagement, education and an ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

 

The project emerged from the concerns of farmers and families aged 20 to 70, representing diverse backgrounds and experiencing difficulties in agricultural waste disposal. Common issues included improper practices like direct incineration or water release. Collaborative efforts between the municipality, academia, NGOs, and professional chambers shaped the project's development. Academia and the private sector conducted R&D and feasibility studies, while professional chambers and NGOs contributed through advice, widespread impact, and awareness campaigns. The municipality played a central role in coordinating these activities and involving relevant stakeholders, addressing the agricultural packaging waste issue comprehensively.

 

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality's "Eco-Friendly Farmer Card" project is inspiring other cities. A study in Çanakkale, coordinated by the Citizens' Association, focused on managing plastic pollution from pesticide use. Antalya Metropolitan Municipality joined the stakeholder meeting organized by the association, bringing together public institutions, NGOs, and industry representatives to discuss the "Eco-Friendly Farmer Card" project. The project, aligned with SDGs and the Paris Agreement, showcased its socioeconomic benefits and public involvement, laying the groundwork for similar applications in different regions.

 

The disruptions brought by Covid-19 underscore the need for resilient supply chains, and Antalya can apply this lesson to build a localized recycling and disposal network through the eco-friendly farmer card. This would ensure efficient waste management even during external challenges. The card can incentivize farmers to use recyclable and eco-friendly packaging, promoting a circular approach that reduces waste. By incorporating data collection and analysis, Antalya can monitor waste generation, recycling efficiency, and farmer engagement, enabling evidence-based improvements.

 

The eco-friendly farmer card program offers valuable lessons in localized waste management, integrating health measures, community engagement, adopting technology, adhering to circular economy principles, fostering collaboration, practicing adaptive planning, and demonstrating long-term commitment. Antalya can share its insights through case studies, workshops, online resources, networking, and partnerships, inspiring other cities to enhance sustainability, resilience, and waste reduction initiatives. This proactive approach aligns with global efforts to build more sustainable and environmentally responsible communities while addressing critical challenges like waste management and supply chain resilience.