Melikgazi Municipality, as part of its zero-waste initiatives, is processing the food waste collected in the district to produce dry food for cats and dogs.

“In Melikgazi, we don't waste, we save.”

Melikgazi Mayor Assoc. Prof. Dr. stated that they are preparing healthy, nutritious, and safe food for our beloved companions at their newly opened production facility. Mustafa Palancıoğlu said, “As Melikgazi Municipality, we do not waste the food waste we collect from the cafeterias of public institutions and factories within our district. We collect these and turn them into food for our stray animals in our newly established 'Food Production Facility.' Our food production team regularly collects waste from 25 cafeterias every day. The collected food waste is first put through a shredder in our facility to remove any bread, bones, or large pieces. It is then fed to our food production machine, where it undergoes a specific process. The food produced takes approximately 18 hours and is then put through a pellet machine to form the food. The pelleted food is then dried and made ready to be used to feed the stray animals in our municipality's natural habitat. With this zero-waste project, we also contribute to the protection of nature. Since we began this project, we have saved approximately 1 million Turkish Lira per month. I would like to thank my colleagues who contributed to this work. Melikgazi As the Municipality, we will always continue to stand by our dear friends." he said.

Mayor Palancıoğlu also reminded that this new practice not only prevents food waste but also saves money from the municipal budget.