The Zero Waste Foundation has published a striking study showing that environmental sustainability policies are not limited to waste reduction, but also play a critical role in preventing natural disasters. Based on data, the study reveals the strong relationship between the triggering effect of waste on forest fires, which increase especially in the summer months, and the “Zero Waste” approach.
Glass and Plastic Waste Can Cause Fires
Glass shards that concentrate sunlight through a lens effect and plastic materials that can ignite quickly pose a significant fire risk, especially during the summer months. Glass bottles left behind in picnic and camping areas can become dangerous fire triggers under hot and dry weather conditions. Experts describe glass and plastic waste left in forests as “bombs that left inside”.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, it is estimated that 512 of the 2,309 forest fires that broke out in Türkiye in 2023 were directly caused by heating, sparks, or cigarette butts from glass/plastic waste.
Especially during the summer months, a glass bottle or broken glass that comes into direct contact with sunlight can create enough energy density to ignite dry grass through a lens effect. This simple physical effect can provide the initial spark for forest fires.
Fires Release Millions of Tons of Carbon into the Atmosphere
Fires threaten not only nature but also atmospheric balance. In the major fires of 2021, approximately 15 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions were released in Türkiye. This shows that fires have turned into a disaster that fuels the climate change cycle and destroys carbon sinks. Forest fires not only destroy ecosystems but also significantly increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Human-Caused Fires Over 98%
With all this data, it is stated that 98–99% of forest fires in Türkiye are caused by humans. This percentage once again highlights how vital individual awareness and public consciousness are.
Striking Data on Forest Fires in Türkiye
• Record increase continues: In 2024, there were 3,797 forest fires in Türkiye.
• Area burned: In 2024, approximately 27,000 hectares of forest area were damaged by fires.
• Yearly increase trend: While the annual average number of fires was 2,091 between 2000 and 2009, this figure rose to 2,946 between 2020 and 2024.
• Regional intensity: The provinces with the highest number of fires in the past 10 years: Muğla (312/year), İzmir (282), Antalya (223).
Theo Role of Waste-Related Fires
• Of the 2,309 forest fires that broke out in 2023, 512 were caused by glass/plastic debris (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry).
Carbon Emissions from Forest Fires and Their Impact on Climate
• The 2021 fires in Türkiye released approximately 15 million tons of CO₂ equivalent into the atmosphere. This figure is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 3 million vehicles.
• Major fires in the Mediterranean region (2021): 100 million tons of CO₂-e.
• Carbon emissions from forest fires worldwide increased by 60% between 2001 and 2023.
• In 2023, forest fires in Canada caused 327–355 Mt CO₂ emissions. This exceeded Canada's planned reduction targets.
• In 2024, forest fires in Russia burned 8.8 million acres and caused 6.8 Mt CO₂ emissions, making them a significant source of emissions.
Global Perspective
• Between 2016 and 2022, global forest fires caused an average of 1,002 teragrams (Tg) of CO₂-e emissions.
• Between 2023 and 2024, global forest fires caused 8.6 billion tons of CO₂-e emissions, which is 16% more than the average level over the past 20 years.
• In Europe, 227,000 hectares of land were lost to fires by 2025. This is twice the seasonal average.
Zero Waste as a Protective Shield Against Fires
The Zero Waste Foundation emphasizes that Zero Waste principles are a strategic tool in fighting forest fires. Preventing the accumulation of environmental waste such as glass and plastic in forested areas not only keeps nature clean, but also prevents fires from starting, reduces carbon emissions, and provides protection against the climate crisis.
The widespread adoption of the Zero Waste system, the establishment of secure recycling chains, and the implementation of local policies to prevent waste accumulation, especially near forests, form the basis of preventive strategies in the fight against fires.
Shared Responsibility, Shared Future
The Zero Waste Foundation reminds everyone, from individuals to municipalities, public institutions, and the private sector, that they are responsible for reducing the risk of fire. It emphasizes that a culture of “zero waste” must be promoted across all sectors of society in order to protect not only nature, but also the climate, our health, and our future.
Research shows that zero waste practices are an effective policy tool for reducing fire risk, lowering carbon emissions, and combating the climate crisis. Zero Waste is not just an environmental policy; it is a shared responsibility that must be implemented to prevent fires, the climate crisis, and environmental destruction.
Let us not forget: A single glass bottle left in the forest can destroy thousands of trees, dozens of living creatures, and our air. Zero Waste is the first step in protecting nature.
