Melikgazi Municipality made a significant impact on ÇEVREFEST with its various activities, participating in the event organized with the theme "We All Have One World" at Ankara National Garden by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

Mayor Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Palancıoğlu participated in the "Zero Waste Journey" panel during which he discussed Melikgazi Municipality's environmental and zero waste efforts. The environmental booth and zero waste train set up by Melikgazi Municipality attracted considerable attention from visitors.

Mayor Palancıoğlu emphasized Melikgazi Municipality's pioneering role in zero waste, stating, "Preserving the environment we live in and leaving it for future generations is our primary duty. We must take measures against any kind of harm caused by human activities, leading to the disruption of the climate balance over time and the extinction of many species. As Melikgazi Municipality, we take the lead in many activities that contribute to the environment and zero waste in our district. We meticulously separate packaging waste by distributing and collecting blue bags regularly in 4,000 buildings within Melikgazi Municipality boundaries every week. We collect 12 different types of packaging waste, including paper, plastic, nylon, PET bottles, glass, metal, textiles, waste batteries, end-of-life tires, electronic waste, vegetable oils, and wood waste. With our annual capacity of collecting approximately 8,000 tons of mixed packaging waste, we are taking a significant step towards protecting our environment. We will continue our efforts tirelessly to leave a livable world for future generations."

 Mayor Palancıoğlu stated that they obtained the first "Zero Waste Basic Level Certificate and General Zero Waste Certificate" in Melikgazi. He said, "We have ensured the establishment of the 1st Class Waste Collection Centre to support the zero waste obligations by making protocols with 8 municipalities in Kayseri. We are the first in our district to receive the 'Zero Waste Basic Level Certificate' and the 'General Zero Waste Certificate' for public buildings. Our Zero Waste and Education Facility, which is considered a reference point in our country for collection and separation facilities, provides education to thousands of students. Among our innovations is the Mobile Lego Recycling Facility Model, which was awarded in the 'Zero Waste Idea Project Implementation Competition for Municipalities' organized by the Union of Turkish Municipalities and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change."

At ÇEVREFEST, Melikgazi Municipality's environmental booth attracted great interest, while children had a blast with the zero waste train. Mayor Palancıoğlu highlighted Melikgazi Municipality's sensitivity to environmental protection and zero waste, stating that successful efforts would continue in the future.