Kyrgyzstan Implements Regulations for Plastic Waste Management
The Kyrgyzstan Cabinet of Ministers has recently approved a new procedure for managing plastic waste in the country. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to address environmental issues and promote sustainable waste management practices.
The approved procedure outlines rules for the collection, storage, and processing of plastic waste for both legal entities and individuals, regardless of their organizational or legal form. Government authorities, including local government bodies, as well as all legal entities and individuals, are required to comply with legislation in the field of waste management and the maintenance of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population when dealing with plastic waste.
The regulation covers all types of plastic waste, except for radioactive, medical, and those containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It introduces the obligation to separate plastic waste by type and label, with local government bodies creating conditions for the public to dispose of, accept, and separately collect plastic waste.
Furthermore, local authorities will determine schemes and locations for plastic cleanups at natural and tourist sites, with strict prohibitions against overloading collection points, littering natural/tourist areas, burying recyclable plastics, storing heavily contaminated plastic containers with food and liquid remains, and storing fine plastic waste (microplastics). Plastic waste must be transported in properly equipped vehicles with accompanying documentation and processed using environmentally safe methods in a zero-waste manner.
Operators in the plastic waste management industry must register with the authorized environmental agency and comply with recycling standards, building infrastructure, and submitting regular reports. The public, producers, and importers are also encouraged to take measures to reduce plastic use, transition to reusable and eco-friendly packaging, and stop the free distribution of plastic bags.
Government bodies and local authorities will conduct outreach and take action in cases of non-compliance, with violations subject to penalties under the Code of Offenses. It is important to note that the approved procedure does not apply to radioactive, medical plastic waste, or waste containing POPs.
Overall, the new procedure for managing plastic waste in Kyrgyzstan aims to improve waste management practices, promote recycling, reduce plastic pollution, and protect the environment for future generations.
