Turkish Post Offices Become Old Clothes Collection Points: How the Zero Waste Plan Reshapes Textile Circular Economy

In July 2026, Turkey integrated textile recycling into its national Zero Waste initiative, placing clothing collection boxes at all PTT postal outlets nationwide. This marks a shift from grassroots efforts to a government-led systemic project, sending a strong signal to the global textile trade, where Turkey plays a significant role.

Background: From National Strategy to Textile Focus

The Zero Waste project, launched by First Lady Emine Erdogan in 2017, aimed at reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. The new textile-specific initiative deepens this effort, moving from general waste management to sector-specific intervention. Zero Waste Foundation Chairman Samet Agirbas highlighted the dual goal: social aid through wearable clothes and commercial recycling for damaged textiles, creating a 'charity + circular' model that provides a new framework for raw material supply and waste treatment in the textile industry.

Industry Impact: Recycling System Reshapes Textile Raw Material Chain

PTT's nationwide network dramatically lowers the logistics cost of old clothes collection, transforming the recycling network from scattered to standardized. For textile mills, this means a more stable and predictable supply of recycled fiber. The detailed sorting process—by type, fabric, condition, and reuse value—determines the downstream economics. Wearable clothes entering social aid channels reduce market pressure from low-value second-hand garments, while damaged textiles entering recycling provide secondary raw materials for polyester and cotton mills. The mechanism where partner companies donate new clothes in exchange for recycling rights creates a traceable source of recycled raw materials, boosting corporate ESG reports.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Monitor Turkey's recycled fiber capacity: As the recycling system matures, domestic production of recycled polyester and cotton may rise significantly in 1-2 years, improving price competitiveness. - Assess supply chain ESG compliance costs: If targeting EU markets, this national initiative may help Turkish suppliers meet European textile circularity standards more easily. - Watch second-hand clothing trade flows: Aid distribution of wearable clothes could reduce exports to traditional markets like Africa, indirectly affecting global pricing.

For Foreign Trade Companies - Partner with companies in the PTT recycling network: They have stable demand for new garment donations; offer bulk new clothes in exchange for priority access to recycled raw materials. - Study Turkey's export policies for recycled fibers: As domestic collection increases, Turkey may introduce export tax rebates or quotas for recycled fibers; early planning is advisable. - Establish classification standard alignment: Differences between Turkey's recycling standards and those of the EU or China could hinder cross-border trade in recycled materials; early comparison and adaptation are recommended.