Currently, around 90% of business entities in Uzbekistan do not comply with mandatory waste disposal payments, resulting in improper waste disposal at unauthorized sites or public collection points. To address this issue, Uzbekistan has enacted a new waste management regulation, effective July 1, 2024, under President’s Decree No. 5, issued on January 4, 2024.
The new decree introduces a public offer system for the collection and removal of solid household waste generated by businesses and individual entrepreneurs. This system is designed to address longstanding compliance issues and ensure that waste management practices are properly followed.
Key aspects of the new regulation include:
- Public Offer System: Waste collection services will now be managed through direct agreements between businesses and local sanitary cleaning companies. These agreements will follow a standardized public offer to guarantee transparency and accountability in waste management.
- Local Approval: Waste collection norms and payment amounts will be established by the Dzhokorgi Council of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional Councils of People’s Deputies, and the city of Tashkent. These norms will be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of various business activities.
- Enforcement: Sanitary cleaning companies will handle waste removal, and businesses will be obligated to pay the specified fees. This streamlined process aims to simplify waste management and ensure businesses adhere to the new regulations.
This new measure is part of a broader effort to enhance waste management practices in Uzbekistan, as highlighted in a video selector meeting held by the President on March 29, 2024. The meeting underscored the importance of updating waste management strategies as part of the “Yashil Makon” (Green Nation) nationwide project.
Businesses are reminded that non-compliance with the new regulations will result in legal consequences. The initiative seeks to improve environmental standards and promote responsible waste management across the country.
