Abstract In this study, we tried to obtain information about the level of pollution in the region by analyzing the solid residues collected from the roadsides of Konya, which is an industrialized city of Turkey. In the study, solid powder samples were collected from Konya city in September 2014, at 4 different times by the municipal vehicles. The samples, collected from a total of 21 different regions were analyzed. Collected samples were first sifted through 250 μm sieves, then pelletized into 32 mm pellets with a wax binder. The elements in the prepared samples were determined by polarized energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (PEDXRF) spectrometry. Elements such as Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, La, Ce and Pb were determined by PEDXRF. The reliability of the method was also tested with CRM 2126–81 standard substance. The amount of elements such as As, Cr, Ni, Co and Fe were particularly discussed in the regions close to industrial establishments, whereas the amount of Pb was discussed for the routes on the main road.