On waste management programmes and innovative approaches to recycling and disposal

Waste management and recycling in Uzbekistan is becoming an increasing priority in the face of rapid population growth, urbanisation and economic development. The country is facing a number of environmental challenges related to waste, and in response to this the public and private sectors are introducing innovative approaches in their management and utilisation.

As stated earlier in the article "Solid Waste Utilisation" in Uzbekistan, the issue of solid waste management remains topical and requires a comprehensive approach for an effective solution. The country is facing challenges related to population growth, increased consumption and changing lifestyles of citizens. With this in mind, understanding and optimising the rubbish management process plays an important role in keeping cities clean, preserving the environment and ensuring the health of citizens.

Since 2017, the Government of Uzbekistan has been actively taking measures to improve and develop the waste management system. The aim of these measures was to ensure environmental safety, rational use of natural resources and improve the quality of life of the population. The programme included the construction of modern waste collection, processing and disposal facilities, the introduction of advanced technologies and working methods, as well as improving the environmental literacy of the population.

In particular, Presidential Decree No. PD-2916 of 21 April 2017 "On measures for cardinal improvement and development of the waste management system for 2017 - 2021" provides:

- Establishment of 13 state unitary enterprises "Toza Khududud" and their 174 branches in districts subordinated to the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regional departments.

- Transfer of 1,403 units of special equipment from the territorial departments of improvement on a free-of-charge basis to the State Unitary Enterprise "Toza Hududud".

- Implementation of the "Billing" system to create an electronic database of subscribers and record keeping in all branches of the SUE "Toza Hududud", as well as installation of GPS-navigators on 1,174 units of special vehicles for online monitoring of their movements.

- Transfer of 6131 waste collection points and 1102 containers to SUE "Toza Hudud" from territorial departments of improvement on a free-of-charge basis. In 2017-2018, 322 new model waste collection points equipped with 2,651 containers were built, 9 vehicle fleets were built for SUE "Toza hudud" and construction of another 18 vehicle fleets was started.

- Transfer of 160 landfills to the State Unitary Enterprise "Toza Hududud". In 2017, 97 landfills were developed, and in 2018 another 100 landfills were developed.

Waste management programmes

In recent years Uzbekistan has adopted a number of state programmes aimed at improving waste management. One of the key documents is the "Strategy for Municipal Solid Waste Management in the Republic of Uzbekistan for the period 2019-2028" (MSWM), approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 18.04.2019. The aim of the strategy is to ensure efficient and environmentally sound waste management, including collection, recycling and disposal, by 2028.

The main directions of the strategy and measures for improvement of MSW management are:

1. Improvement of the regulatory and legal framework in the field of MSW management

MSW management remains a complex area with systemic problems in both organisational and legal aspects. Despite the fact that the field of environmental protection is regulated by a large number of legislative acts, the legal basis of waste management requires improvement.

At the same time, it is necessary to review and amend the legal framework and to create a comprehensive system of technical and environmental regulation of MSW management.

As part of the Strategy implementation, the legal and regulatory framework for implementing MSW management measures will be expanded.

Adaptation of the legal and regulatory framework will be achieved by:

• introducing amendments to the legislation in the field of MSW management;
• creating a legal framework for the effective implementation of public-private partnerships and attracting investment in this area in a cost-effective and transparent manner;
• improving the legal basis of economic mechanisms for ensuring environmental protection;
• updating the technical regulatory framework for implementing measures in the field of MSW management.

1. Improvement of infrastructure in the field of MSW management.

The fundamental factor of effective operation of the MSW management system is timely collection and transportation of MSW to the places of their processing and (or) disposal.

In order to improve the quality of services provided, the collection and removal schedules of organic, recyclable and non-recyclable MSW will be optimised, and transshipment points equipped with special compactors will be constructed for remote MSW sites.

For state specialised sanitation organisations, 57 new vehicle fleets will be built and 44 vehicle fleets will be overhauled at the expense of the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the Fund for Ecology, Environmental Protection and Waste Management, accumulated in the process of introducing an ecological levy.

To organise technical maintenance of special equipment of sanitary cleaning enterprises, 13 service centres will be established in regional centres of the republic with attraction of the Asian Development Bank loan.

Within the framework of the approved programmes, state unitary enterprises will be re-equipped with 4,233 units of special equipment, 14,367 units of containers for objects of social importance and 257 units of transport containers for existing multilifts will be purchased.

3.     Prevention and minimisation of MSW generation

Measures to improve MSW management infrastructure will be accompanied by measures to prevent and minimise MSW generation.

In the period from 2022 to 2025, the introduction of a separate MSW collection system based on the installation of five types of labelled containers for:

• recyclable MSW (polymers, paper and metal);
• organic MSW (food waste and other biodegradable materials);
• non-recyclable MSW (composites, untreated materials and other mixed MSW);
• hazardous household waste (batteries, accumulators, medical waste, etc.);
• of glass containers.

Along with the introduction of a separate MSW collection system, preparations will be initiated for the introduction of a deposit system for consumer packaging (tare), the advantages of which are:

• reduction of costs associated with the collection, storage, sorting, transport and disposal of MSW;
• reduction of MSW generation and accumulation;
• reducing the amount of secondary material resources ending up in landfills;
• increase in the collection of secondary material resources and their involvement in economic turnover;
• increase in revenues from the sale of high quality raw materials;
• reducing the cost of MSW collection and disposal services.

4.     Recycling and energy utilisation of MSW

The existing situation in the field of MSW management and the increasing dynamics of their formation require the creation of a structure capable of carrying out integrated processing of the entire volume of MSW, extracting maximum benefit from them, ensuring a step-by-step transition from landfill disposal of MSW to their industrial processing.

The choice of recycling technology depends on the composition and properties of MSW, regional characteristics and a number of factors, among which the main ones are the protection of the environment and the health of citizens together with economic feasibility.

According to technological principles and international experience, MSW treatment methods can be divided into mechanical, biological, thermal and mixed.

Taking into account the actual situation in the field of MSW management and technical capabilities of the regions, within the framework of the Strategy implementation, applicable technologies for MSW recycling will be assessed and selected and pilot projects will be implemented. Based on the results of the evaluation of the implemented projects, the necessary measures will be taken to involve MSW in the economic turnover in the form of secondary resources.

At the same time, in order to create the necessary conditions for the introduction of technologies for the energy use of MSW (biogas extraction from generated MSW, incineration of mixed MSW, use of fuel generated from waste as an alternative fuel for the production of electricity and heat), mechanisms for the reception into the general network and use of energy generated within the framework of ongoing projects using MSW as a raw material will be improved.

Implementation of MSW processing projects will be carried out on the basis of public-private partnership, as well as at the expense of foreign and domestic investments through the introduction of modern technologies up to the production of finished products.

For successful implementation of the projects, it is envisaged to attract international experts with sufficient experience, investors capable of ensuring the design, construction and further operation of the enterprises.

5.     Optimisation of the number and area of landfills (closure, reclamation of old landfills and construction of new landfills)

The current landfills are not properly operated: in particular, waste is not compacted, isolated in the prescribed manner to prevent fires and the spread of odour, the quantity of waste taken to landfills is not recorded and strictly controlled, there are no facilities for recovery of accumulated biogas or recovery/treatment of leachate, and most landfills are not fenced.

The existing situation points to the need to take measures to radically improve the technical, sanitary and environmental condition of landfills by bringing them into compliance with the requirements established for such infrastructure facilities.

As part of the measures taken, the priority is to assess the risks of negative impact of landfills on the environment and the health of citizens.

Based on the results of the risk assessment, measures will be taken to optimise the number and area of landfills needed to free up space, reduce the negative impact on the environment and citizens' health, and eliminate spontaneous landfills.

First of all, closure and reclamation of landfills in close proximity to water bodies and groundwater located in such regions as Syrdarya, Jizzak and Khorezm oblasts will be carried out.

In this context, regionalisation has been implemented, based on the territorial division of the country into 56 conditional regions for MSW management, including 183 districts and cities. The main criteria for regional planning are geographical location, economic development, availability of access roads to landfills, geological and hydrogeological conditions, population, etc.

As part of the Strategy implementation, 167 landfills with a total area of 1,108.6 ha will be closed and rehabilitated in the notional MSW management regions. In place of existing landfills, 54 modernised landfills with a total area of 693.3 ha will be created and 5 new landfills with a total area of 80 ha will be opened.

As a result of the optimisation measures taken, the number of landfills will be reduced from 221 to 59 units, which is equivalent to 770.2 hectares, or 50 per cent of the area used for landfilling.

Thus, in the period from 2020 to 2028, landfills that are not subject to further operation will be closed and then rehabilitated, and in the period up to 2028, they will be modernised by equipping them with systems to protect them from adverse environmental and health impacts.

World problem: production and consumption waste generation

Solid waste management affects everyone in the world, whether individuals managing their own waste or governments providing waste management services to their citizens. As countries and cities become more urbanised, economically developed and populations grow, the World Bank estimates that waste production will increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050. At least 33 per cent of this waste is now unsustainably managed worldwide through open dumping or incineration.

According to calculations by international experts commissioned by the World Bank, the world's cities produced 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2016, an average of 0.74 kilograms per person per day.

International experience in the field of MSW management

The situation in Europe:

An environmental policy on MSW management has been implemented in Europe for many years. In December 2005, the European Commission published a communication on the development of a waste prevention and recycling strategy. The aim of the strategy is to reduce resource-related environmental impacts. Waste policies and targets set at EU level include minimum requirements for the management of certain types of waste.

One successful example of this policy is the increased recycling rate of municipal waste (recycling of cover materials, composting of biowaste). In 2014, the EEC countries achieved an average total recycling rate of 33 % compared to 23 % in 2004.

The situation in Japan:

Japan has chosen to develop its MSW incineration infrastructure. This is due to the fact that allocation of territories for new landfills is impossible: the population is comparable to Russia, and the country's area is 45 times smaller. In Japan, only 5% of household waste is subject to landfilling, the rest is recycled or incinerated (up to 70% of the total MSW volume). Since a significant part of incineration plants are located within the city limits, the technologies used to ensure combustion at temperatures exceeding 1200°C and the most advanced filtration system make it possible to reduce harmful emissions to practically zero. That is why Japan is the world's "front-runner" in the number of waste incineration plants - there are more than 1,900 of them. Uninterrupted operation of waste incineration plants is ensured, among other things, by a very strict discipline among the population to pre-sort rubbish. Up to 40 containers for different types of MSW (for different types of paper, plastic, metals, glass, etc.) are installed in houses. Even plastic yoghurt cups must be washed before they are thrown away. At the same time, the most toxic waste is not disposed of in Japan, but is exported to its neighbours in the Philippines.

Another Japanese way of disposing of rubbish is the construction of so-called "rubbish islands". About 250 km2 in Tokyo Bay have become dry land due to recycled paper and ashes left after waste incineration. Such areas are used for luxury housing, parks, metallurgical plants and airports.

The situation in China:

Until 2018, China was the largest importer of waste in the world. Since 1992, China has imported up to 45% of the world's plastic waste, mainly from developed countries: 95% of recyclable plastic from the EU and 70% from the US was sent on empty container ships back to the PRC for recycling. In 2016, China accounted for 56% of global plastic waste imports worth $3.7 billion. In January 2018, China imposed new restrictions on importing rubbish for recycling. The reasons are environmental. Private recycling companies, in addition to bringing in waste from other countries, often fail to comply with environmental requirements for recycling. Often what cannot be recycled ends up in unauthorised landfills. By the end of 2019, China had completely phased out such imports. The growth of consumption by the local population and, as a result, the increase in the amount of MSW, has led to the need to take measures for the utilisation of already domestic waste. The main bet is on incineration plants. By 2020, the share of incinerated waste was 50 per cent.

Conclusion

Waste management in Uzbekistan is not only a challenge but also an opportunity to create a sustainable economy and preserve nature. Introduction of innovative technologies, development of the recycling industry and raising environmental awareness of the population can be the key to solving the waste problem and a guarantee of an environmentally friendly future.

Economic benefits of waste recycling

1. Creation of new jobs. The development of recycling plants and recycling systems requires skilled professionals at all levels, from plant operators to engineers and scientists. The introduction of recycling technologies creates new jobs in various regions of the country, which also supports economic development.
2. Reducing landfill costs. Efficient waste recycling reduces the need for landfills, saving land and resources. Landfill construction and maintenance is expensive for the government, especially given the long-term environmental risks.
3. Saving natural resources. Recycling materials such as plastic, paper, metal reduces the need to extract natural resources. This not only conserves resources, but also reduces the cost of production and transpor.
4. Attracting investments. Uzbekistan can become an attractive region for foreign and domestic investors if it offers favourable conditions for the establishment of processing enterprises and start-ups in the environmental sphere. Innovative waste management projects can attract grants and support from international organisations such as the UN and the World Bank.

Environmental benefits

1. Reducing air and water pollution. Improper handling of waste, especially plastic and chemical waste, can lead to significant environmental pollution. Separate collection and recycling of waste helps to reduce the release of toxins and harmful substances into the air, water and soil.
2. Reducing carbon footprint. Adopting recycling technologies and reducing the need to produce new materials helps to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is important in the fight against climate change. Plants that use waste to generate energy can produce electricity with a smaller carbon footprint than traditional power plants.
3. Protecting ecosystems. Proper disposal of hazardous waste such as batteries, chemicals and medical waste reduces the risk of contamination of water bodies and soil, which in turn preserves biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. This is especially important for agricultural regions of Uzbekistan, where ecosystems play a key role.
4. Improved public health. Recycling and proper waste disposal contribute to the reduction of pollution-related diseases. A clean environment is an important factor affecting the quality of life and life expectancy of the population.

Prospects for the development of new industries

1. Production of secondary materials. The development of waste recycling opens up the possibility of creating a new industry related to the production of secondary materials. This can be construction materials, packaging, goods made of recycled plastic or paper.
2. Bioenergy. Agricultural waste and organic waste can be used to produce bioenergy. Biogas plants and composting technologies are already gaining popularity in various countries. Uzbekistan, as an agrarian country, can actively develop this sphere.
3. Eco-design and sustainable products. Recycling materials can be the basis for the development of an eco-design industry. For example, clothing, furniture and other products can be made from recycled materials. Such initiatives can attract the attention of both local and international consumers who support sustainable development.
4. Innovative start-ups. Young people and entrepreneurs can develop new solutions for waste collection, recycling and reuse. These could be mobile applications to optimise sorting processes, projects to create eco-products or innovative technologies to improve recycling.