In Samsun, the "Waste 360: Recover and Transform" project has been launched to raise awareness of environmental sustainability as part of World Zero Waste Day. The project, supported under the University Student Communities Cooperation and Support Program (ÜNİDES) by the General Directorate of Youth Services, is coordinated by the university’s Environmental Community.

Having previously received national support for their "Campus-to-Campus Climate Movement" project, the Environmental Community has now secured national project status for the second time with “Waste 360.” The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Environmental Issues Application and Research Center (ÇEVSAM), Samsun Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Climate Change and Zero Waste, and Samsun Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

Broad Participation in Panels and Technical Visits

The event, held at the Engineering Faculty Conference Hall, was attended by Deputy Governor Kemal Yıldız, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Engineering Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topçu, Samsun Provincial Director of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Tevfik Akçay, along with academics and students.

The event began with an opening speech by Environmental Community President Berfin Sever. Following this, Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan, Head of the Environmental Engineering Department and Director of ÇEVSAM, provided insights into the university’s waste management, sustainability, and zero waste initiatives.

“The Project is Evaluated on Both Local and National Levels”

During the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan stated:

“After the success of the ‘Campus-to-Campus Climate Movement’ project, our university’s Environmental Community has once again secured ÜNİDES support with the ‘Waste 360: Recover & Transform’ project. I wholeheartedly congratulate them for their environmental awareness and achievements. ÜNİDES supports university student communities in bringing their projects to life, fostering sustainable initiatives that meet young people's needs while promoting effective youth offices. The project is evaluated on both local and national levels.”

“The Project Aims to Increase Zero Waste Awareness”

Prof. Dr. Turan continued:

“This national project, led by the Environmental Community, is carried out in collaboration with the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Climate Change and Zero Waste, and our university’s ÇEVSAM. The project aims to increase zero waste awareness. Historically, humanity has lived in harmony with nature with minimal waste, but the Industrial Revolution and increased consumption have led to the rapid depletion of natural resources. Today, waste management has become a global crisis. However, zero waste awareness is growing each day.”

“Our University is Advancing Toward Becoming a Green and Sustainable Institution”

Highlighting OMU’s commitment to sustainability, Prof. Dr. Turan stated:

“Our university is making significant strides toward becoming a green and sustainable institution, taking important steps in areas such as campus planning, energy, waste management, and transportation. Our university continues to rise in the GreenMetric rankings, securing the 281st position internationally and 25th place nationally in 2024.”

Expert Panels and Technical Site Visits

During the panel session, Environmental Engineer Elif Özcan, Head of the Zero Waste Branch at Samsun Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Climate Change and Zero Waste, delivered a presentation titled "Zero Waste Management and Practices," emphasizing the significance of waste management. Following this, Environmental Engineer Nadire Pelin Duru from Samsun’s Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change presented "Zero Waste Regulation and Legal Framework," providing insights into policies and regulations.

On the event's second day, students participated in technical site visits to the Samsun Solid Waste Landfill, Waste Sorting and Recycling Facility, and Waste Biogas and Energy Production Facility. These visits highlighted the environmental and economic value of waste, reinforcing that sustainable waste management is achievable through the philosophy and implementation of zero-waste practices.