A Model Collaboration for a Sustainable Future Between Bornova Municipality and Yaşar University

Bornova Municipality, Yaşar University, and the S.S. Environmental Waste Collectors Cooperative have signed a tripartite protocol to establish a sustainable waste management model within the university campus. The project aims to promote recycling, support the circular economy, and enhance environmental awareness. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that Bornova will be a pioneer in green transformation, while Prof. Dr. Yiğit Kazançoğlu highlighted the collaboration’s value in terms of environmental and social responsibility.

Bornova Municipality signed the “Sustainable Waste Management and Circular Economy Cooperation Protocol” with Yaşar University to strengthen its environmentally friendly policies with a scientific foundation. The protocol was signed by Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki and Yaşar University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Yiğit Kazançoğlu.

A Model Partnership Through Triple Collaboration

The protocol between Bornova Municipality, Yaşar University, and the S.S. İzmir Environmental Waste Collectors Cooperative focuses on waste separation at the source, promoting recycling, and spreading sustainability awareness on the university campus.

This collaboration aims to both increase environmental management awareness in academic settings and integrate street collectors—many of whom belong to disadvantaged groups—into the system with social security protections. The project also serves as a continuation of the social responsibility protocol signed on January 2, 2025, between Bornova Municipality and the Cooperative.

Circular Economy Comes to Life in Bornova

Within the scope of the project, Yaşar University will provide academic support to Bornova Municipality to ensure that the integrated waste management system operates in a scientific, high-quality, and sustainable manner. A disciplined model will be implemented for the reuse, source separation, and recycling of packaging and recoverable waste produced on campus, contributing to the circular economy.

Mayor Eşki: “Green Transformation is One of Our Three Major Goals”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki described the protocol as an important milestone toward the city’s green transformation objectives:

“One of the three major transformations we aim to achieve is the green transformation, and one of its cornerstones is recycling. I’m delighted to collaborate with Yaşar University, which has significant expertise in this field. We will take all necessary steps to make Bornova a leader in sustainability. I sincerely thank Yaşar University for their support.”

Prof. Dr. Kazançoğlu: “This Project Embraces Both the Environment and Humanity”

Yaşar University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Yiğit Kazançoğlu emphasized that the cooperation carries not only environmental but also social responsibility value:

“This is a very meaningful protocol. Circular economy is one of our university’s key research areas—we are the leading institution in Türkiye in academic publications on this topic. We are pleased with Bornova Municipality’s awareness and pioneering efforts. This cooperation will continue to grow, contributing jointly to the environment, the economy, and society.”

A Strong Step Toward a Sustainable Future

With this protocol, Bornova Municipality takes another major step toward its vision of green transformation, clean energy, and sustainable urban development. The project positions Bornova as a leader not only in environmental management but also as a model for local governance strengthened through academic collaboration.