Plastic waste is among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. This versatile and cost-effective material is widely used across numerous industries, including packaging, textiles, construction, and medicine. However, its very strengths—durability and resistance to decomposition—have contributed to a growing environmental crisis.

To combat plastic pollution, many countries have implemented measures such as banning single-use packaging and establishing recycling and waste separation programs. Despite these efforts, the global scale of the problem calls for more coordinated and comprehensive action. One critical tool in addressing this issue is the inventory of plastic waste, which helps assess current conditions and develop effective waste management strategies.

In Uzbekistan, the issue of plastic waste presents unique challenges stemming from rapid economic growth, urbanization and the increasing use of plastic across various industries. To adopt an international approach to addressing this problem the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change in collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), carried out an inventory of plastic waste as part of the project "Plastic Waste in Remote and Mountainous Areas". This initiative is supported by the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions.

Importance of inventory

The inventory enabled the estimation of the volume of plastic entering the market, its usage and processing methods, as well as the extent of waste generation. This process has proven to be a crucial tool for analyzing the situation and developing long-term waste management strategies. The study’s results indicate a significant increase in the volume of plastic utilized within the country’s economy.

The main results of the study

The packaging sector remains the largest consumer of plastic, accounting for 22.1% of the total volume of plastic entering the market in 2022. The transportation sector follows closely in second place with a share of 24.9%, while the construction sector ranks third with 22.2%. Together, these three industries consume more than 69% of all plastic in the country. This distribution is primarily driven by the wide range of plastic applications, from single-use packaging and transportation components to durable building materials.

Along with the increased use of plastic, the volume of waste is also rising. In 2022, plastic waste reached 249,241 tons, marking a 147% increase compared to 2013. Packaging continues to be the largest contributor to waste, accounting for 192,115 tons of the total. This is due to the short lifespan of packaging materials, which are often discarded immediately after use. In contrast, waste from the transportation and construction sectors grows at a slower pace, as plastic products in these industries typically have a longer service life.

Currently, Uzbekistan generates 10.2 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 10.3% (1.05 million tons) is plastic waste. Nearly every region of the country hosts enterprises producing plastic products, including tableware and bags.

Plastic products, including plastic bags, are widely used throughout the population of Uzbekistan.

Moreover, the import of plastic products far exceeds exports, with imports in 2023 totaling 158.5 thousand tons, valued at $487.5 million. Meanwhile, plastic exports from Uzbekistan in 2023 amounted to 47.3 thousand tons, worth $90.1 million. The share of plastic imports in 2023 rose by 54.6% compared to 2020.

Problems and challenges

The inventory identified several systemic issues that hinder the effective management of plastic waste.

Firstly, the country's processing infrastructure requires significant development and improvement. The limited number of processing plants reduces the capacity for efficient waste disposal, particularly for key polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Secondly, the absence of a separate waste collection system significantly impedes the effective utilization of existing processing facilities.

Lastly, the low level of environmental awareness among the population exacerbates the problem. Many individuals lack sufficient knowledge about the importance of waste sorting and the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

Recommendations for improving the situation

Comprehensive measures should be taken to effectively manage plastic waste. A regular inventory of plastic waste should be a priority. This will provide up-to-date data on waste volumes, their distribution across sectors and the types of polymers involved, enabling informed management decisions.

Infrastructure development is another crucial step. Expanding the number of processing plants, particularly for polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, will significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and enhance the economic viability of recycling.

Development of a separate waste collection system.

These actions will enhance the quality of processed raw materials, reduce sorting costs, and speed up the overall processing time. Additionally, large-scale educational campaigns aimed at raising ecological awareness among the population are essential. Such campaigns could include both informational programs and practical initiatives, such as waste sorting schemes implemented in schools and businesses.

 

Equally important is the improvement of the legislative framework. Key measures include:

The introduction of mandatory recycling quotas and restrictions on the use of disposable plastic products.

A gradual ban on the production and import of plastic products and containers, particularly those containing harmful chemicals and dyes.

The establishment of a system of extended producer responsibility (EPR), which would encourage manufacturers and importers of environmentally friendly alternatives—such as biodegradable, paper, knitted, or cotton products—to replace plastic goods and containers.

Attracting investments is another promising avenue. By creating favorable conditions for investors in the recycling industry, Uzbekistan can stimulate the development of this sector and facilitate the introduction of advanced technologies.

 

The inventory of plastic waste in Uzbekistan has proven to be an essential tool for both assessment and planning. Implementing the proposed measures will not only reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste but also increase the economic efficiency of recycling, create new jobs, and improve the quality of life for the population. These steps will position Uzbekistan as a leader in Central Asia in terms of sustainable waste management.

 

It is worth noting that Uzbekistan has already begun to address the issue: separate waste collection is being introduced, restrictions on the production and use of certain types of plastic are being enforced, and recycling facilities are being developed.

 

However, achieving sustainable plastic waste management requires an integrated approach, combining robust government policies with active participation from businesses and civil society.

 

The key areas that need to be developed are:

1. Improvement of the legislative framework: Establishing stricter waste management norms and standards, implementing an environmental collection system, and expanding manufacturers' responsibility for the disposal of their products.
2. Development of infrastructure and technology: Constructing new processing plants, creating dedicated collection points, and introducing modern recycling and waste disposal technologies.
3. Educational initiatives for the population: Enhancing environmental literacy through information campaigns and encouraging citizens to engage in separate waste collection and recycling efforts.
4. Stimulating innovation: Attracting investments in the production of biodegradable materials, developing alternatives to plastic products, and establishing a closed-loop system.

In 2025, the results of the plastic waste inventory will be uploaded to the official website of the secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions: https://www.brsmeas.org/