Circular Economy and Waste Management

Circular Economy and Waste Management at Türk Telekom

As Türk Telekom, in line with our sustainable environmental policy, we consider waste management not only as a legal obligation, but also as a critical responsibility for the efficient use of resources, supporting the circular economy, and minimising environmental impact. In this context, we approach the management of waste arising from our infrastructure investments and operational processes within a sustainable framework, implementing various projects to improve recycling processes, minimising waste generation, and using existing resources in the most efficient way.

We prioritise minimising waste generation, increasing recycling rates, and supporting reuse opportunities. In this regard, we separate various types of waste at the source, such as plastic, glass, paper and cardboard, metal, toner, cartridge, electronic equipment, cables, generator fuel, and batteries. These are then sent to licensed recycling and disposal facilities. We manage the entire waste process, from generation to disposal, in full compliance with national and international regulations, ensuring that it does not harm human health or the environment.

The Battery Recycling Project, one of the most critical components of these processes, was developed to manage the batteries used at base stations more efficiently and to optimise the recycling process. As part of the project, battery testing devices were distributed to regional sites, enabling on-site testing of batteries. This allowed faulty batteries to be detected early and replaced, extending overall battery life and reducing the volume of scrap batteries by isolating only the defective ones. The process lowered the cost of new battery purchases, saved labour and time, and improved operational efficiency. At the same time, environmental impact was minimised, contributing to our sustainable waste management goals.

In addition, under the project for the Use of Spare Parts from Equipment at the End of Economic Life, components such as fans, control units, sensors, and fuses were recovered and reused as spare parts when equipment like air conditioners, generators, DC systems, and panels reached the end of their economic lifespan. This initiative reduced the cost of purchasing new spare parts, enabled more efficient use of resources, and minimised environmental impact by reducing waste. At the same time, supply chain processes were optimised, and spare parts inventory management was strengthened.

In addition, under the Panel-Type Air Conditioner Refurbishment Project, panel-type air conditioners used at base stations were restored for reuse by completing maintenance and repair processes instead of being entirely scrapped when they malfunctioned. This approach reduced the cost of purchasing new air conditioners, extended the lifespan of the devices, and minimised environmental impact by reducing the amount of air conditioner waste.

We carry out our waste management activities in line with international standards such as TS EN ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and we ensure that all our operational sites are certified under these systems. To ensure traceability of waste, we report our processes through the Integrated Environmental Information System (EÇBS) of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, and we monitor waste movements digitally via the Mobile Hazardous Waste Tracking (MoTAT) system. In doing so, we maintain a waste management system that is transparent, traceable, and fully compliant with regulations.

We work with licensed companies to manage waste disposal and recycling processes in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and effective manner. During the selection process for licensed firms, we conduct a detailed assessment of their licensing qualifications based on waste type (hazardous, non-hazardous, and those requiring disposal), compliance with environmental regulations, relevant experience, and the environmental standards they apply.

To ensure the correct implementation of our waste management practices on-site, we operate a comprehensive inspection and monitoring mechanism through our expert units. While the activities of contracted firms are regularly monitored, our environmental engineers also play an active role in the processes and ensure full compliance with national and international regulations. In this way, we not only meet regulatory requirements in full but also adopt a proactive approach to systematically minimise our environmental impacts.

All solid wastes (hazardous and non-hazardous) generated by our company are separated by type, and those that can be recycled are sent to licensed recycling facilities, while those that cannot be recycled are directed to disposal facilities in a manner that minimises environmental impact. All waste generated at our facilities and through our field operations is collected by authorised firms and managed in compliance with regulations.

Through our collaborations with authorised organisations, we manage our waste using safe and environmentally friendly methods. To recycle our waste, we partner with:

• AKÜDER for accumulator batteries.

• PETDER for waste oils.

• TAP for cell batteries.

• TÜBİSAD for electronic waste.

Through our collaboration with TÜBİSAD, we not only reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices that have reached the end of their useful life, but also run campaigns to raise awareness in society. Through the electronic waste collection campaigns we organise within the company, we increase our employees’ sensitivity to sustainability issues and generate social benefits by donating the proceeds from the recycled waste to educational institutions.

In this regard, we fully comply with the regulations and guidelines set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), and local water and sewerage authorities; we adopt a responsible approach to water consumption and waste management.

In waste management, instead of focusing solely on disposal processes, we develop systems for waste prevention and source separation practices. By continuously updating our technical and administrative standards, we focus on creating both environmental and economic benefits.

• As of 2024, thanks to improvements in our waste management processes, we have reduced our total waste amount by 27% compared to the previous year, bringing it down to 7,605 tonnes. Of this amount, 3,574 tonnes consist of hazardous waste, while 4,031 tonnes are nonhazardous waste.

• In these processes, we continue to reintegrate all recyclable waste into the economy and dispose of non-recyclable waste using methods with the lowest environmental impact.

Note: The reduction in our waste amount over the last two years is due to the decrease in scrap equipment and scrap material quantities as a result of the significant investments made in previous years.

As Türk Telekom, we emphasise the importance of involving our employees and business partners in this process by expanding our environmentally conscious practices. Our entire waste management process is carried out in line with the principles of transparency, traceability, and continuous improvement. In line with our goal of leaving a more liveable environment for future generations, we continue to position waste management not only as a process but also as one of the fundamental pillars of our corporate sustainability.

Our Zero Waste Project

Since 2019, as part of our Zero Waste Project, we have been working to make the daily consumption habits of our employees environmentally friendly across all of our offices. Under the project, we manage the entire process from waste generation to disposal in a manner that does not harm human health or the environment, in accordance with technical and administrative standards. All recovery, temporary storage, and disposal processes are handled with an environmentally friendly approach.

By maintaining our pioneering role in waste management for a sustainable future, we aim to increase our environmentally conscious practices. The conservation of natural resources, the effective management of recycling processes, and the reduction of our environmental impacts are core principles that also align with our goal of contributing economically.

Recycling of Electronic Waste and Economic Contribution

With the rise of digitalisation, the increased use of electronic equipment has made it essential to manage electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner. We not only reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste but also use the revenue generated from this process to fund projects that benefit society and new investments. In the upcoming period, we plan to launch a nationwide electronic waste collection project.

Under this project:

• We will organise awareness campaigns to involve customers in the electronic waste collection process,

• We will increase the number of electronic waste collection points,

• We will raise employee awareness and encourage electronic waste recycling.

Through this project, we will not only reduce the environmental impact of our operational processes, but also encourage individuals to actively participate in the recycling process, thereby creating widespread awareness.

Economic and Environmental Gains with Circular Economy

Another important aspect of our waste management policy is the reintegration of recyclable materials into the economy. In this regard, in 2024, we generated 87.2 million TL (excluding VAT) in revenue from the sale of a total of 3,035 tonnes of scrap (14 different types of scrap). Additionally, by reintegrating second-hand electronic equipment into the economy, we generated an additional 9.4 million TL in revenue. These financial gains highlight the importance of reusing waste, rather than disposal, and integrating it into the circular economy.

In the coming periods, we will continue to advance our waste management processes, building a strong circular economy model both environmentally and financially. With our practices that conserve natural resources, save energy, and reduce carbon emissions, we will continue to lead the path to sustainability.