Pursuant to the instructions of the Head of State Nursultan Nazarbayev to take measures for the timely disposal of solid household waste in order to reduce environmental pollution, the Ministry of Energy together with akimats developed a project “Measures for Modern Recycling of Solid Waste with Involvement of Small and Medium Businesses."

Bozumbayev reported that in accordance with the Concept on the country's transition to a green economy, it is envisaged to bring the recycling share to 40% by 2030, 50% — by 2050

Every year, 5-6 million tons of solid waste are generated in the country. For eight months, 2018 is about 3.2 million tons, of which about 330,000 tons have been recycled and disposed of, which is 10.5%. This figure in 2017 was 9%, and in 2016 — 2.6%.

To increase the share of solid waste recycling, work is underway to introduce separate collection of waste, develop the waste recycling sector with the production of recycled materials and attract investments, including through public-private partnership. The regulatory framework has been established and is being improved.

Thus, amendments were made to the Environmental Code on Waste Management, as well as extended obligations on manufacturers, that is, importers, were enacted. The minister noted that the ban has been imposed on the dumping of certain types of waste at landfills. In particular, since 2016, it is prohibited to dispose mercury-containing lamps and devices, metal scrap, waste oils and liquids, batteries, electronic waste at landfills. January 1, 2019, the ban on the disposal of plastic, waste paper, cardboard and waste paper, glass comes into force. January 1, 2021, the ban on the burial of construction and food waste comes into force.

According to the Ministry of Energy, today there are more than 130 enterprises in the country that sort and process waste, and produce more than 20 types of products. Sorting complexes of various capacities are available in 18 more settlements.

From 2018, the Akimat of Astana city, together with the Operator ROP LLP, is implementing a pilot project on organizing the separate collection of solid waste, processing and recycling organic (food) waste. If the pilot project is successfully implemented, the experience gained will be distributed to other regions.

Since 2017, as part of the extended obligations of manufacturers, funding has been provided for the collection and recycling of waste, such as plastic, polyethylene, cardboard, paper, glass and metal.

“In 2018, the Ministry agreed to Operator ROP 3.2 billion tenge, of which 30-40% — for the development of the relevant infrastructure: the purchase and installation of containers, recycling points, garbage trucks, and the remaining 60-70% — for collection, transportation and recycling. Not all regions use this financial opportunity. Akimats need to strengthen interaction with the ROP Operator,” said Bozumbayev.

The minister noted that the regional akimats need to assist the business in resolving issues related to the registration of land for separate collection of solid waste containers and recycling points.

Also during the meeting, akims of Pavlodar region Bulat Bakauov, Almaty — Amandyk Batalov made reports.

Following the consideration of the issue, Prime Minister Sagintayev instructed the Ministry of Energy together with the akimats to intensify work on the introduction of separate collection, sorting, and the use of technologies for the processing of solid waste, including organizing extensive outreach work. The Ministry of Information and Communications is entrusted with assisting the Ministry of Energy in this matter.