Introduction

The acceleration of industrialisation makes the fact that natural resources are not unlimited more visible. In particular, efficient use of water resources and sustainable management of wastes are of strategic importance both environmentally and economically. Today, it has become imperative for businesses to invest in water and waste management not only to be environmentally sensitive, but also for legal compliance and competitive advantage.

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Water Management: Efficiency and Legal Framework

Water management focuses on the reduction, reuse and recovery of water used in production processes. With the ‘Water Efficiency Strategy Document (2023-2030)’ issued in Turkey, serious responsibilities have been imposed on businesses. In this context, industrial facilities are obliged to report water use above certain consumption levels.

The EU Water Framework Directive is a regulation that Turkey is in the process of harmonisation, and the treatment of wastewater and tightening of discharge limits are faced by businesses. Within the scope of inspections by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, water measurement, treatment and reporting are checked for each enterprise.

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Waste Management: Circular Economy and Legislation

Waste management provides an opportunity not only for disposal but also for transition to circular economy. Waste Management Regulation (2015) requires separation of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes at source, increasing recycling rates and monitoring the disposal process.

Sıfır Atık Yönetmeliği (2019) ile büyük ölçekli işletmelerin sıfır atık belgesi alması zorunlu hale getirilmiştir. 2023 itibarıyla 1000’den fazla işletme bu belgeyi almakla yükümlü tutulmuştur. AB Döngüsel Ekonomi Paketi ise ihracat yapan firmalar için atıkların %70 oranında geri dönüştürülmesi hedefini ortaya koymaktadır.

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Business Impacts and Opportunities

Water and waste management practices provide multifaceted contributions to businesses. While water recovery and recycling of wastes significantly reduce operating costs, administrative fines and sanctions such as suspension of operations can be avoided thanks to compliance with legal obligations.

In addition, water and waste management performance is one of the main indicators that investors pay attention to in sustainability reporting. TÜBİTAK, KOSGEB and Development Agencies also provide financial support to enterprises by opening calls for water efficiency and waste management projects.

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Conclusion

Water and waste management is no longer an ‘environmental policy choice’ for today's businesses, but a legal obligation and a source of competitive advantage. When the legislation in Turkey, the EU harmonisation process and global sustainability trends are evaluated together, it is inevitable for businesses to invest in this area.

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Bibliography

Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change (2015). Waste Management Regulation. Ankara.
Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. (2019). Zero Waste Regulation. Ankara.
T.C. Ministry of Industry and Technology. (2023). Water Efficiency Strategy Document 2023-2030. Ankara.
European Commission. (2018). EU Water Framework Directive. Brussels.
European Commission. (2020). Circular Economy Action Plan. Brussels.