Alanya beaches face an influx of plastic waste from Europe

The problem of plastic pollution has worsened again along the Alanya coast in recent months. Bags, plastic bottles and other waste are being washed ashore, while local residents and tourism industry representatives are calling for tighter controls on the sources of pollution. In July 2026, local media reported a noticeable accumulation of plastic waste along the coast and warned of a threat to tourism and the marine ecosystem.

To remove waste from the surface of the sea, the Alanya municipality uses a special robotic vessel called Wasteddin. According to a municipal representative, the machine operates seven days a week from 08:00 to 18:00 and cleans the coastal area from the Fishing Harbour towards Dinek and Damlataş. In June and July alone, the robot collected 1 tonne and 152 kilograms of waste.

The problem extends far beyond a single resort. Turkey has remained the main destination for plastic waste exports from the European Union for several years. According to Eurostat, in 2025, EU countries sent around 503,000 tonnes of plastic waste to Turkey — 19% more than the previous year. Turkey accounted for approximately one-third of all EU plastic waste exports outside the bloc.

At the same time, it is important not to conflate two different things: the presence of European waste in Turkey does not mean that this waste ended up directly on Alanya’s beaches. The link between waste imports and coastal pollution is being discussed by environmentalists and local activists, but the specific origin of waste washed up on each section of the coast requires separate confirmation.

In recent weeks, the issue has become particularly acute following reports of pollution in southern Turkey. A study reported by The Guardian found elevated levels of microplastics in waterways near major facilities processing imported plastic in the Adana area. Environmentalists link the pollution to insufficient oversight of recycling and waste management.