Recycling machines take bottles, give food to street animals

Recycling machines which take plastic bottles and dispense food for street animals, encouraging locals to be environmentally friendly, have been installed around Ankara. Introduced with the motto "Protect nature, protect street animals," the project has received great attention.

After inserting a plastic bottle, some water and food appear at the bottom of the machine, enough to feed a street animal. The project is a win-win practice, as locals contribute to recycling while helping stray cats or dogs that have difficulty finding food and water. The machines have been placed in Ankara's Keçiören district, following an initiative by the district-cleaning directorate. District Mayor Mustafa Ak said, "Raising awareness of the environment is a social responsibility. The environment is a heritage that we should improve, protect and transfer to future generations."

The number of recycling machines around the district will be increased soon. A similar project was initiated last year in certain districts of Istanbul, with solar-powered recycling machines that dispense 10 kilograms of animal food in total. A plastic bottle takes between 100 and 400 years to decompose in a landfill.