{"id":8051,"date":"2025-07-07T06:24:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T10:24:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=8051"},"modified":"2025-07-07T06:24:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T10:24:19","slug":"kazakhstan-proposes-green-tax-on-nonrecyclable-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=8051","title":{"rendered":"Kazakhstan proposes green tax on nonrecyclable packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The tax would focus on PET bottles and other PE-based materials. Credit: photka\/Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Kazakhstan has put forward a plan for a tax targeting packaging that harms the environment, as revealed by Mazhilis deputy Azhar Sagandykova at the IX Eurasian Business Forum Green Energy & Waste Recycling Forum.<\/p>\n

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The Times of Central Asia<\/em><\/a> has reported that the tax would focus on materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, plastic bags, and other PE-based containers that are challenging to recycle or non-biodegradable.<\/p>\n

Sagandykova was quoted by the news agency as saying: \u201cIt is time to seriously consider introducing a green tax on non-environmentally friendly packaging and directing the funds collected towards the development of waste recycling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe existing Environmental Code contains a number of vulnerabilities and does not cover all aspects of waste management. Therefore, within the framework of a working group in the Mazhilis, we intend to review the systemic approach to solving this problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

The United Nations Development Programme reports that Kazakhstan generates around 4.5 million tonnes of waste each year, with 80% coming from municipal sources and 20% from industries, healthcare, and other sectors.<\/p>\n

Only approximately 26% of this waste is recycled, a statistic verified by Zhomart Aliyev, Kazakhstan\u2019s deputy minister of ecology and natural resources, at the forum.<\/p>\n

Sagandykova also pushed for a specific law on waste management to clarify duties, outline infrastructure needs, and provide government incentives.<\/p>\n

During the coming months, domestic deputies will collect input from businesses, environmental groups, and civil society to shape a draft bill for discussion in late 2025.<\/p>\n

Aliyev explained that the government is working on a detailed waste management strategy, excluding radioactive waste, which falls under the Atomic Energy Agency\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n

Commissioned by the country\u2019s prime minister, this strategy is expected to be finalised by September, when a decision will be made on whether a separate waste management law is required.<\/p>\n

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