A New Era of Cleanliness at the Işıkkent Shoemakers’ Industrial Estate

Bornova Municipality has launched a dedicated waste management and cleaning system at the Işıkkent Shoemakers’ Industrial Estate—one of Türkiye’s leading footwear manufacturing hubs—to provide a lasting solution to waste and sanitation issues. Through a newly established on-site operations center, industrial waste is collected and recycled by Belkahve Inc., while the Municipality’s Department of Cleaning Services handles domestic waste, helping raise hygiene standards across the area.

Bornova Municipality has introduced a new operational model to permanently address the long-standing waste and cleanliness challenges at the Işıkkent Shoemakers’ Industrial Estate, one of Türkiye’s most important footwear production centers. As part of the system, a dedicated service depot has been established within the industrial site, allowing cleaning services to be carried out more efficiently and rapidly.

A Dedicated System for Lasting Solutions

Under the new model, industrial waste generated during shoe production—previously one of the area’s biggest environmental challenges—is now collected directly from businesses by Belkahve Inc., a municipal company recently established by Bornova Municipality. Instead of being discarded indiscriminately on the streets, shoe production waste is sent for recycling, helping prevent fires that frequently occur during the summer months while contributing to both environmental protection and the circular economy.

Meanwhile, construction debris, old furniture, and other household-type waste are collected by the Municipality’s Department of Cleaning Services. In addition to regular waste collection, streets are swept routinely, while waste containers and roadways are thoroughly washed to improve overall hygiene throughout the industrial zone.

Mayor Eşki: “We Are Delivering the Quality of Service a Productive Bornova Deserves”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the Işıkkent Shoemakers’ Industrial Estate is not only one of Bornova’s most valuable production centers but also one of the most significant footwear manufacturing hubs in Türkiye.

“The Işıkkent Shoemakers’ Industrial Estate provides employment for thousands of people and makes a major contribution to our country’s economy. Such an important production center deserves exemplary environmental management and cleaning services. That is why we developed a dedicated operational model for the area. Thanks to our newly established service depot, we can now provide faster and more effective services. While Belkahve Inc. collects industrial waste for recycling, our Department of Cleaning Services regularly removes all other waste. We also sweep the streets and wash waste containers and roads. Our goal is to ensure a healthier working environment for producers while protecting the environment and contributing to a sustainable urban future.”

Mayor Eşki added that Bornova Municipality will continue expanding its services for industrial and production areas while protecting and supporting the city’s economic assets.