According to Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the new edition of Uzbekistan's waste law is designed to create a clear waste management system, prevent illegal dumping, and establish an economic basis for recycling development.
These statements were made by him in an interview with the O’zbekiston 24 television channel. Previously, on September 10, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation of investment projects aimed at improving waste management, recycling, and electricity generation.
Abdukhakimov reported that the President was presented with an updated version of the waste law, which was developed taking into account the international experience of more than ten developed countries. This document defines types of waste as well as the powers of state bodies, organizations, public associations, mahallas, and executive bodies.
The previous version of the law was adopted 24 years ago. Abdukhakimov noted that the lack of clear legislative requirements for waste management and recycling systems, as well as measures against unauthorized landfills, negatively affected the environment.
The new version of the law aims to create a comprehensive waste management system and give economic value to waste. Whereas previously waste was mainly sent to landfills, the new approach provides for the development of recycling, which is expected to create new jobs and sources of income for the population and businesses.