UNDP builds earthquake debris processing facilities in Türkiye

The U.N. Development Fund (UNDP) has announced the completion of two model facilities for the safe processing and recycling of earthquake debris in Türkiye.

Located in the Hatay and Kahramanmaraş provinces, the facilities are designed to process an estimated 200 million tons (100 million cubic meters) of debris collected from 86 temporary storage sites in the region, according to a UNDP statement.

The initiative is part of a $4.83 million project funded by Japan, statement added.

Equipped with industrial-scale crushers, magnetic separators, and belt conveyors, the new facilities will process debris in stages, first removing hazardous waste, followed by the separation of recyclables such as metal, textiles, plastics, glass, and wood.

"Proper management of earthquake debris is a precondition for the recovery of the affected region," said UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton. "The facilities we have been able to build with Japan's generous support will help to reduce the burden on the environment and eliminate risks to human health."

The comprehensive debris management strategy and implementation plan was developed by the UNDP in cooperation with Türkiye's Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry, utilizing Japanese expertise and technology.

"This project was designed to prevent health hazards by disposing of the rubble in Hatay and Kahramanmaraş while also strengthening social infrastructure to support the Turkish economy,"  Japanese Ambassador to Ankara Takahiko Katsumata said.

"Project is coming to an end, but Japan will continue to provide support for recovery in the field of disaster waste disposal, as part of our broader assistance," he added.

According to the UNDP statement, the two...