Applications open for Zero Waste Grant Programme in Turkey

The European Commission has launched a call for proposals aimed at promoting waste minimization and improving resource efficiency through local actions in Türkiye. This initiative, part of the Zero Waste Grant Programme (ZWGP), seeks to support practical, innovative projects led by local actors working toward national zero waste targets.

The ZWGP is open to a broad range of stakeholders, including local governments, civil society organizations, universities, research institutes, and industrial zones. The focus is on fostering collaboration among these groups to implement waste reduction measures aligned with Türkiye’s national zero waste policy.

The overall goal of this call is to improve waste management in Türkiye. Specifically, it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the volume of waste by building capacity at the municipal level and increasing public awareness. The priorities include strengthening local authorities’ infrastructure, enhancing intersectoral cooperation, developing decision-making tools, and promoting public education on sustainable consumption and waste prevention.

A total of EUR 6.3 million is available for this call. Grants must fall between EUR 500,000 and EUR 750,000. Actions may include setting up recycling centers or composting sites, promoting reuse and repair culture, integrating zero waste into local planning, and piloting innovative waste technologies. Public campaigns, school programs, food waste reduction, and town twinning activities between Türkiye and EU municipalities are also encouraged.

However, certain activities are not eligible. These include projects focused only on conferences or scholarships, one-off events without a broader impact, academic research with no implementation, actions supporting political parties, or any initiative that results in environmental harm. Costs such as debt repayment, real estate purchases, taxes, and depreciation are also ineligible.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. The lead applicant must be a legal, non-profit entity such as a municipality, special provincial administration, or solid waste management union established in Türkiye or an EU Member State. Co-applicants can include associations, universities, development agencies, cooperatives, professional chambers, and local authority unions. All applicants must play a direct role in preparing and managing the project.

Entities that merely cooperate informally or have signed consortium agreements, subcontractors, and those receiving direct financial aid from the applicant are not considered affiliated and cannot be treated as part of the application.

This grant represents a significant opportunity to strengthen local waste management systems, enhance sustainability practices, and contribute to national and global climate goals through hands-on, community-based actions.