Performance Analysis of Manufacturing Waste Using SWARA and VIKOR Methods: Evaluation of Turkey within the Scope of the Circular Economy

The increasing population and industrial developments driven by growing needs and expectations have led to an increase in consumption. The rise in consumption, in turn, results in more waste generation. The management of waste has become a global issue concerning human and environmental health. As a solution to climate change, waste, and biodiversity loss, the concept of the circular economy has emerged, which involves a global effort. Zero waste, which is one of the key elements of the circular economy, is regulated by waste management legislation in the European Union in accordance with the waste management hierarchy. Therefore, waste management is an important and urgent issue that requires significant planning, especially for countries with trade relations with the European Union. This study aims to evaluate the performance of waste management in Turkey's manufacturing industry within the scope of the circular economy. The SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) and VIKOR (VIseKriterijumsa Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) multi-criteria decision-making methods were used in the research. The examination of manufacturing waste in conjunction with the waste hierarchy and within the scope of the circular economy using multi-criteria decision-making methods sets this study apart from other research on the subject. The analysis results indicate that Turkey, particularly in the preference for the option of selling, has shown an increasing trend in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling indicators, while showing a decreasing trend in disposal. In this context, it can be said that Turkey will not face difficulties in the process of aligning with the European Green Deal, and positive environmental developments have been observed.