The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has announced a substantial revision in the administrative fines slated to be enforced against individuals and organizations found culpable of environmental pollution in the upcoming year. This information, disclosed in the Official Gazette published on Thursday, outlines a notable 58.46% increase in fines for violations of relevant regulations in 2024, as specified in Environmental Law No. 2872. The surge in fines aligns with the revaluation rate set by the ministry, demonstrating the government's resolute stance in addressing and discouraging environmental infractions. The objective is to foster responsible practices and protect the nation's ecological well-being.
Effective from January 1, vehicle owners lacking exhaust gas emission measurements will face fines of up to TL 9,943 ($338). Those vehicles emitting pollutants contrary to specified standards will incur a fine of TL 19,897. Individuals holding an Exhaust Gas Emission Authorization Certificate but exceeding limits or falsifying measurements will face penalties ranging from TL 39,797 to TL 79,611 for various offenses.
Establishing and operating facilities causing air pollution without proper authorization, making unauthorized changes, or failing to comply with necessary modifications will result in fines of TL 1,585. Facilities exceeding emission limits set by regulations may face a substantial fine of TL 929,233.
Violations of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines will incur fines of TL 193,522 per offense. Failure to establish compulsory waste facilities or operating them inadequately will result in an administrative fine of TL 1.16 million. Residences, vehicles, workplaces, and workshops causing noise and vibration contrary to standards will face fines ranging from TL 7,667 to TL 232,264.
Marine vessels causing sea pollution will now encounter increased fines per gross ton, with penalties up to TL 464,585 for improper waste disposal. Those damaging biological diversity, violating protection principles in Special Environmental Protection Areas or wetlands, or engaging in illegal underbrush burning will face fines ranging from TL 386 to TL 387,141.
Fines escalate for discharging waste into protected water areas, with penalties up to TL 929,233. Improper waste management, including collection, transportation, storage, recovery, recycling, and disposal, will result in fines ranging from TL 433,180 to TL 1,732,780. Importers of waste may face fines up to TL 1,443,397.
Public space environmental pollution carries a fine of TL 4,810. Penalties for illegal entry and export of hazardous waste have increased. Businesses providing plastic bags in violation of legislation will be fined according to their sales area, reaching up to TL 79.59 per square meter for free distribution. Producers and suppliers of non-compliant plastic bags will face fines up to TL 72,169.
Non-compliance with greenhouse gas emission monitoring regulations will result in penalties of TL 115,471, while failure to submit a verified greenhouse gas emission report may incur fines of TL 173,207. Participation in the deposit application collection system carries fines for distributors, suppliers, and non-compliant outlets, ranging from TL 96,226 to TL 481 per square meter.
Effective from January 1, vehicle owners lacking exhaust gas emission measurements will face fines of up to TL 9,943 ($338). Those vehicles emitting pollutants contrary to specified standards will incur a fine of TL 19,897. Individuals holding an Exhaust Gas Emission Authorization Certificate but exceeding limits or falsifying measurements will face penalties ranging from TL 39,797 to TL 79,611 for various offenses.
Establishing and operating facilities causing air pollution without proper authorization, making unauthorized changes, or failing to comply with necessary modifications will result in fines of TL 1,585. Facilities exceeding emission limits set by regulations may face a substantial fine of TL 929,233.
Violations of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines will incur fines of TL 193,522 per offense. Failure to establish compulsory waste facilities or operating them inadequately will result in an administrative fine of TL 1.16 million. Residences, vehicles, workplaces, and workshops causing noise and vibration contrary to standards will face fines ranging from TL 7,667 to TL 232,264.
Marine vessels causing sea pollution will now encounter increased fines per gross ton, with penalties up to TL 464,585 for improper waste disposal. Those damaging biological diversity, violating protection principles in Special Environmental Protection Areas or wetlands, or engaging in illegal underbrush burning will face fines ranging from TL 386 to TL 387,141.
Fines escalate for discharging waste into protected water areas, with penalties up to TL 929,233. Improper waste management, including collection, transportation, storage, recovery, recycling, and disposal, will result in fines ranging from TL 433,180 to TL 1,732,780. Importers of waste may face fines up to TL 1,443,397.
Public space environmental pollution carries a fine of TL 4,810. Penalties for illegal entry and export of hazardous waste have increased. Businesses providing plastic bags in violation of legislation will be fined according to their sales area, reaching up to TL 79.59 per square meter for free distribution. Producers and suppliers of non-compliant plastic bags will face fines up to TL 72,169.
Non-compliance with greenhouse gas emission monitoring regulations will result in penalties of TL 115,471, while failure to submit a verified greenhouse gas emission report may incur fines of TL 173,207. Participation in the deposit application collection system carries fines for distributors, suppliers, and non-compliant outlets, ranging from TL 96,226 to TL 481 per square meter.