Producers to Assume Responsibility for Plastic Packaging Recycling

Importers and producers of plastic packaging will be required to organise its recycling or pay a recycling fee, according to the draft National Programme of Uzbekistan for 2025.

The relevant law is expected to be developed by November 1, 2025, and the new regulations will take effect in 2026, as stated by the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.

Plastic waste collection equipment is planned for installation in supermarkets, shopping centers and markets.

The introduction of environmental responsibilities among packaging producers will be gradual. Companies producing soft drinks will be required to recycle 50% of plastic bottles by 2025, 75% by 2027, and 100% by 2028.

In drafting this bill, the department intends to draw on the experiences of the European Union and CIS countries. According to the department’s calculations, these measures could lead to recycling at least 1.2 mln tons of plastic waste per year, which would help reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan plans to implement a national program on green finance.