Lorax EPI

Turkey imposes a Recycling Contribution Fee (GEKAP)
by Annis Mapleston at 11:26 in Battery, Emerging, Environmental, Packaging, WEEE

Following an amendment to Turkey's Environmental Act (link in Turkish) that came into force on January 1, 2020, certain products are now subject to a Recycling Contribution Fee (GEKAP).

environment tax.jpg
The GEKAP has been introduced to help reduce waste, by obliging producers to pay a fee proportionate to the weight of the products they place on the market. Affected products include (but are not limited to):

  • Plastic bags

  • Packaging

  • Electronic products

  • Batteries and accumulators

  • Tyres

Obligated producers (and retailers, for plastic bags) need to make either monthly or quarterly reports to the Turkish authorities. Fines will be levied on anyone who does not pay the tax.

The GEKAP forms part of a wider Zero Waste Project. This initiative has already seen the introduction of a fee for plastic bags and a massive increase i​n recycling rates. Next steps include further public awareness campaigns and the start of a bottle deposit scheme.​

If you have any questions about how the GEKAP might affect your business, please contact us to speak to one of our consultants - and don't forget we can help you complete your reports to the Turkish authorities using our bespoke software.

Lorax Logo Click here to receive regular updates on blog posts, webinars, and regulatory changes directly to your inbox

Get in touch

If you would like to get in touch with us about this post or wish to ask us a question, please us the form below:

* = Required fields

UK Address

  • Lorax Compliance Ltd.
  • Suite 6, Eleven Arches House
  • Yates Avenue
  • Rugby
  • CV21 1FD
  • England

USA Address

  • Environmental Packaging International
  • 166 Valley Street
  • Building 6M, Suite #103
  • Providence
  • RI 02909
  • USA
Cyber Essentials Plus Certificate B Corporation Certificate