Uzbekistan may ban the production, import, and use of plastic bags under the proposed National Program to Reduce Plastic Pollution within the 2025-27 period.
This key measure under the state draft programme, which is currently open for public discussion, may take effect in 2027, according to various media reports.
The programme will focus on promoting the use of biodegradable bags and aim to limit harmful chemicals in plastic products.
The development also outlines the introduction of quotas for using recycled plastic in packaging.
Following the aforementioned public discussion, the programme is expected to be submitted to the country’s Cabinet of Ministers this November.
As per a draft presidential resolution, a bill may be formally developed by 1 November this year, reported UZ Daily.
This bill will require domestic manufacturers and importers of plastic-packaged products to establish a return and recycling system for their packaging through reverse vending machines (RVMs) and collection and recycling points.
The legislation will also propose extended obligations for the paying of recycling fees for plastic packaging. RVMs are expected to be installed at large retail outlets and markets.
Meanwhile, manufacturers of nonalcoholic beverages will be tasked with recycling a certain percentage of their plastic packaging, with targets set at 50% by 2026, 75% by 2027, and 100% by 2028.
These measures will be aimed at significantly increasing the domestic recycling rate of plastic waste, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills, and extending the lifespan of landfill sites.
Globally, more than 100 countries have already implemented full or partial bans on single-use plastic bags, and the number of government programmes aimed at reducing plastic use tripled between 2010 and 2019, reported the news provider.
