Turkey hosts significant methane leaks from multiple waste disposal sites across the country, according to satellite analysis conducted by researchers at the University of California. The Silivri municipal landfill near Istanbul emerges as Turkey’s largest super-emitting waste site, releasing approximately 7.4 tonnes of methane per hour—equivalent to the climate impact of 1.5 million sport utility vehicles operating continuously. A second major facility in Şile, also serving Istanbul’s metropolitan area, releases roughly 4 tonnes of methane hourly, corresponding to approximately 800,000 vehicles’ worth of emissions. Researchers from UCLA’s Stop Methane project identified 10 high-emitting landfill sites distributed across Turkey, from İzmir in the west through Ankara and Antalya in the south, characterizing the emission rates at these facilities as exceptionally large by global standards.
The timing of these findings presents a significant diplomatic challenge for Turkey. The country is scheduled to host Cop31, the United Nations global climate conference, in November, with methane emission reduction prioritized on the summit’s agenda. Turkish leadership, including First Lady Emine Erdoğan and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have championed zero-waste and methane-reduction initiatives on the international stage, making the revelations about domestic landfill operations particularly notable.
Local residents in villages surrounding the Silivri site have experienced environmental impacts from the facility for years, including persistent odors described as overwhelming, particularly during periods of still air. However, community members have been reluctant to lodge formal complaints with municipal authorities, citing concerns about potential consequences from local government bodies.
Municipal waste management officials acknowledge the methane emissions but contextualize them within historical improvements. They note that the Silivri facility, which processes 10,000 tonnes of waste daily, represents a significant advancement compared to the 1990s, when waste management crises occurred. The facility currently captures approximately 6,000 cubic metres of methane hourly for energy generation, though officials indicate that further improvements in covering exposed waste areas could reduce atmospheric releases.
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