Neighborhood Heads Lead the Transformation

Bornova Municipality organized training sessions for neighborhood heads (muhtars) on waste management, composting, and carbon footprint awareness. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of locally driven transformation for a sustainable future, highlighting the key role of muhtars in achieving zero-waste goals. The sessions included hands-on workshops on proper waste separation and recycling methods to help reintroduce materials into the economy.

Coordinated by the Municipality’s Directorate of Climate Change and Zero Waste, Bornova aims to promote the separation, reuse, and reduction of waste at the source through neighborhood-scale awareness initiatives. Within this scope, training and workshop programs were held to strengthen the role of muhtars in spreading environmental awareness, focusing on waste management, compost production, and carbon footprint measurement.

Transformation Begins in the Neighborhoods

Held at the municipal Waste Collection Center, the training provided muhtars with practical knowledge about waste types, source separation methods, recycling processes, vegetable oil waste management, and the safe disposal of hazardous waste.

Participants also learned about converting organic waste from markets and pruning activities into compost, with live demonstrations of good practices. The program concluded with a visit to the “From Waste to Art” workshop, where attendees experienced how recyclable materials can be transformed within a circular economy model.

Mayor Eşki: “A Sustainable Future Starts Locally”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of community involvement in environmental policies, stating:

“Fighting climate change is not only about large-scale policies; it also depends on small but impactful steps taken at the local level. Our neighborhood heads are the strongest link in this transformation. In Bornova, we want every citizen to contribute to a city culture that is eco-conscious, separates waste, and embraces sustainable living. Together, we will build a climate-friendly Bornova.”

Turning Waste into Value

In line with its zero-waste goals, Bornova Municipality continues its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, support a circular economy, and raise public environmental awareness. The training program that started with muhtars will be expanded in the coming period to include schools, marketplaces, and residential site managements.