Waste Management - The Times Of Central Asia

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Environment

Kyrgyzstan Launches Environmental Strategy for Lake Issyk-Kul

On December 2, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept for the Sustainable Development of the Ecological and Economic System of Lake Issyk-Kul until 2030, along with a corresponding Action Plan. The initiative aims to protect the lake and its surrounding biosphere from intensifying environmental and human pressures, while ensuring long-term economic resilience in the region. Located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul is the country’s largest lake, a unique ecological reserve, and one of Central Asia’s main tourist destinations. However, the newly adopted Concept reflects growing concerns over environmental degradation and the urgent need for coordinated management. Based in part on a government technical assessment, the strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap to stabilize the lake’s ecosystem, modernize critical infrastructure, and mitigate climate risks. Climate Threats and Water Imbalance A key priority of the Concept is enhanced monitoring of Lake Issyk-Kul and its surrounding basin, particularly its water and energy resources. Climate change, including glacial retreat and reduced river inflow, has placed the basin under mounting stress. Of the 957 glaciers in the Issyk-Kul basin, covering 560.8 square kilometers, many are melting at an accelerated rate. Although roughly 120 rivers flow into the lake, only 80 reach it during summer due to irrigation withdrawals. To restore hydrological balance, the government plans to introduce modern irrigation technologies across 100,000 hectares of farmland. Officials estimate this could redirect up to 200 million cubic meters of water back into the lake each year. Between 1927 and 2003, Issyk-Kul’s water level fell by 2.75 meters, driven by declining inflow, outdated monitoring systems, and inefficient water use. The new Concept calls for restoring hydrological infrastructure, including groundwater observation stations and river hydro-posts. It also proposes strict accounting of irrigation water and a shift toward water-saving technologies in agriculture. Combatting Wastewater and Pollution Untreated wastewater remains one of the most severe threats to the lake’s ecosystem. Discharges from settlements, hotels, and tourism facilities have polluted the lake for years. The Concept aims to modernize wastewater treatment plants, expand sewage networks, and promote the reuse of treated water for irrigation purposes. Over the past five years, 47 new treatment facilities have been constructed in the Issyk-Kul region. The government now plans to reduce untreated wastewater discharge by 40%. Industrial Risks and Waste Management Environmental oversight of industrial activity, particularly at the Kumtor gold mine, the country’s largest, is another priority. The Concept calls for stricter regulation of hazardous waste and the rehabilitation of mining tailings to protect soil, groundwater, and the lake itself. Solid waste management is also being addressed. In October 2025, China’s Hunan Junxin Environmental Protection Co. Ltd. began building a waste-to-energy incineration plant in Karakol, the region’s administrative center. This will be the company’s third facility in Kyrgyzstan, following earlier projects in Bishkek and Osh. The introduction of separate waste collection systems is seen as key to reducing landfill pressure and minimizing environmental damage. To address air quality, the Concept promotes modernization of outdated heating systems, emission controls on industry and transport, and the adoption of...

Mirziyoyev Orders Crackdown on Pollution and Waste

Uzbekistan is intensifying its environmental oversight as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev convened a high-level government meeting on December 1 to address mounting pollution, delays in waste-to-energy infrastructure, and preparedness for the winter season. The session highlighted the rising social and economic risks of air-quality deterioration in Tashkent, and chronic failures in waste management nationwide. Officials attributed recent spikes in air pollution in the capital not only to industrial emissions and construction activity but also to a severe cold anticyclone blanketing much of the country. This weather system caused high atmospheric pressure and temperature inversions, trapping fine particulate matter and inhibiting air circulation. In response, authorities launched inspections of construction sites, greenhouses, and vehicle emissions, while emergency measures, such as watering streets, cleaning canals, and activating fountains, were deployed to stabilize air quality. Mirziyoyev ordered regional officials to enforce stricter environmental compliance, eliminate violations promptly, and take proactive steps to prevent further degradation. He emphasized that growing public frustration demands “decisive and coordinated action” from all levels of government. Stalled Waste-to-Energy Projects Under Scrutiny Waste-to-energy development, a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s sustainability agenda, also came under fire. Although $933 million in investment has been pledged, several regions have yet to launch projects. Existing facilities in Andijan, Namangan, Ferghana, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent continue to face critical infrastructure deficiencies, including inadequate roads, electricity, and water supply. Mirziyoyev instructed officials to remove these bottlenecks and ensure the nationwide rollout of waste-to-energy projects in 2026. The government has set a target of reducing household waste disposal areas by 50% by 2030. To date, 47 landfill sites have been closed and rehabilitated, restoring over 240 hectares of land for environmental use. Yet the majority of Uzbekistan’s 132 active landfills still lack protective barriers, green belts, and basic safety systems. The president ordered the transformation of these sites into “environmentally safe zones” and called for greater public engagement through environmental education. Starting in 2026, the government will allocate at least 150 billion soums annually from the state budget for this initiative. Hazardous Waste and Digital Tracking Industrial and hazardous waste management also remains underdeveloped. Processing rates have improved but still fall short of international norms. Mirziyoyev demanded a full inventory of hazardous waste generation and storage sites and directed each region to launch its own recycling or disposal initiatives. A unified digital platform will be introduced to monitor hazardous waste nationwide. Winter Readiness and Public Safety Winter preparedness was another major focus. Persistent issues with liquefied gas distribution prompted the president to order operational reforms and faster responses to citizen complaints. Authorities reported substandard repairs along 1,800 kilometers of power lines; the Prosecutor General’s Office will investigate, and the Energy Inspectorate has been tasked with strengthening oversight to ensure stable electricity supply during the winter. Mirziyoyev also called for updated fire-safety standards in residential buildings, including a ban on highly flammable façade materials. Presidential Decree and Long-Term Strategy The December 1 meeting followed a presidential decree issued on November 25 introducing emergency environmental measures and creating a special...

Waste Management

South Korea to Support Landfill Project in Northern Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is partnering with South Korean organizations to construct a sanitary landfill in Kemin, a town in the northern Chui region, approximately 95 km east of Bishkek. Earlier this month, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision held a meeting with representatives from South Korea’s MYC Inc. (Make Your Climate) to secure grant funding for the initiative. The two sides also conducted a joint study to identify a suitable location for the future landfill. The project is designed to implement an integrated waste management system that includes the sorting and incineration of solid waste, thereby reducing landfill volume and minimizing environmental harm. Scheduled to run from 2027 to 2031, the project has an estimated budget of up to $10 million. The Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI) will oversee project management. The landfill is part of broader development plans for Kemin and the wider Chui region, which include the creation of an eco-friendly urban center, Kemin City. In January 2025, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree to build the new city on 353 hectares. The project aims to provide modern housing, reduce outward migration, and retain skilled local labor. Kemin and the nearby town of Orlovka were historically industrial hubs during the Soviet era. However, following the collapse of the USSR, many local enterprises shut down, prompting widespread out-migration. The development of Kemin City and its associated infrastructure is intended to reverse this trend and stimulate the local economy.

Kyrgyzstan to Launch Program for Recycled Resources Market

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, supported by the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund (RKDF) and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), has signed a trilateral agreement to develop a national program for establishing a recycled resources market. The agreement was formalized in Bishkek. According to the ministry, the initiative aims to support the creation of a modern waste management system based on green economy principles and more efficient use of raw materials. The RKDF and EDB will provide financing and expert support for drafting the program. The forthcoming plan will include pilot projects integrating recycled materials into economic activity, improvements to recycling infrastructure and supply chains, and incentives to encourage businesses to increase the use of secondary raw materials. Minister of Natural Resources Meder Mashiev emphasized that building a recycled resources market is key to transitioning toward a circular economy. He added that international support would help integrate secondary materials into production and unlock new business opportunities. RKDF Chairman Artem Novikov noted that the final program would serve as a tool to stimulate recycling, attract investment, and bolster the country’s climate resilience efforts. The agreement underscores Kyrgyzstan’s growing cooperation with international financial institutions in the field of environmental development.

Beyond Infrastructure: China’s New Environmental Footprint in Central Asia

Uzbekistan’s economy is expanding at one of the fastest rates in Central Asia, creating new opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. Yet this rapid growth also brings challenges that the country must learn to manage. Among them, one of the most pressing issues is the growing problem of waste management, which has become an unfortunate consequence of economic progress. Over the past decade, the volume of municipal solid waste in Uzbekistan has increased steadily. It rose from about 6.1 million tons in 2010 to 7 million tons in 2017, and current projections suggest that annual waste generation could reach as high as 16 million tons by 2028. Currently, the country generates around 14 million tons of waste annually, but only a small portion of this - approximately 5% - is recycled. Landfills now release more than seven million tons of greenhouse gases every year, and more than forty thousand tons of toxic waste seep into the soil, threatening both the environment and public health. The government of Uzbekistan has recognized the urgency of the issue and placed waste management at the heart of its green development agenda. Alongside the promotion of renewable energy and electric vehicles, the authorities are investing in waste-to-energy projects that can help convert solid waste into electricity. This approach can reduce the amount of waste going to landfills while providing a cleaner source of energy. China’s Role in Uzbekistan’s Waste-to-Energy Development To implement these projects, Uzbekistan is actively cooperating with foreign partners who can bring technology, investment, and experience. Among these partners, China has emerged as a leading player. Chinese companies, facing a saturated domestic market, are increasingly looking abroad for new opportunities. Uzbekistan’s ambitious targets in waste management perfectly align with this interest, creating a partnership that benefits both sides. Several large-scale projects have already been launched. China’s CAMC Engineering is investing about $350 million to build two waste-to-energy plants in the Andijan and Tashkent regions. Another Chinese company, Shanghai SUS Environment, has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan’s Waste Management Agency to develop projects using advanced green technology. In addition, China Everbright Environment Group has announced the creation of joint ventures with Uzbek partners Maxsus and CR No.17 Second Engineering. These partnerships will result in two new plants in Namangan and Ferghana, each with an estimated cost of $283 million. Opportunities and Risks These initiatives promise significant benefits. For China, they open the door to exporting green technologies, generating new revenue, and deepening economic ties in Central Asia. The growing demand for waste-to-energy projects across the region also creates opportunities for China to share its proven technological model, helping partner countries build capacity while integrating more closely into China’s expanding technological ecosystem. Beyond the economic gains, this cooperation is shaping China’s broader image. Through such environmentally focused projects, Beijing is gradually being seen not only as a builder of physical infrastructure but also as a provider of innovative and sustainable solutions. This transformation strengthens China’s soft power and adds new depth to its Belt and...

Study Highlights Plastic Waste Challenges in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is grappling with a growing plastic pollution problem, as highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The research, covering the period from 2013 to 2022, provides critical insights into the increase in plastic consumption, the resulting waste, and the systemic challenges that hinder effective waste management. The findings were part of the regional project "Plastic Waste in Remote and Mountainous Areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan," implemented by the CSD Center (Cooperation for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan). Rapid Growth in Plastic Consumption The study revealed a significant rise in the volume of plastic products entering the Kazakh market over the past decade, increasing from 387,000 tons in 2013 to 855,000 tons in 2022. Key industries driving this growth include: Packaging: Representing over 23% of total plastic consumption, with 196,000 tons used in 2022 alone. Construction: Accounting for 19% (167,000 tons), where plastic is used in durable materials such as pipes and insulation. Transport: Consuming 17% of all plastic due to the increased production of vehicles and the use of lightweight plastic components. Escalation in Plastic Waste The growing use of plastic has led to a corresponding rise in waste. In 2022, plastic waste generation reached 296,000 tons, more than double the amount recorded in 2013. Packaging remains the largest source of waste, comprising 66% of the total, largely due to the prevalence of disposable plastic bags and other single-use packaging materials. By contrast, the construction and transport sectors generated relatively less waste, as the plastic used in these industries typically has a longer lifespan. The study also identified the primary types of plastic waste in Kazakhstan: Polyethylene: 38% Polypropylene: 23% Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): 14% Challenges in Plastic Waste Management The research outlined several obstacles that hinder effective management of plastic waste in Kazakhstan: Insufficient Infrastructure: Existing waste management facilities are unable to handle the growing volumes of plastic waste. Lack of Separate Collection Systems: The absence of infrastructure for sorting waste at the source limits recycling efforts. Low Environmental Awareness: A significant portion of the population remains unaware of the importance of waste sorting and recycling. Recommendations for a Circular Economy To address these issues, the study suggests improving legislation to limit the use of single-use plastic items and promote the adoption of recycled materials. These measures could create favorable conditions for Kazakhstan’s transition to a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled rather than discarded. Additionally, the research emphasizes the need to develop infrastructure for waste sorting and recycling while raising public awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Regional Context Kazakhstan’s findings are part of broader efforts across Central Asia to combat plastic pollution. Countries in the region, including Kazakhstan, are exploring initiatives such as phasing out plastic bags to address the growing environmental challenge. For an overview of these regional efforts, see The Times of Central Asia’s reporton plastic bag bans. Conclusion Kazakhstan’s plastic waste study highlights the urgent need for systemic change in managing...