The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan has unveiled plans to introduce an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme to address plastic waste produced and imported into the country. The draft policy, set for publication by November 1, 2025, aims to bring the system into action by 2026. This progressive initiative holds manufacturers and importers of plastic products accountable for the collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste, marking a significant step towards enhancing Uzbekistan's environmental sustainability.

In an official statement, the Ministry highlighted that the EPR scheme will gradually increase the responsibilities of manufacturers, enterprises, and importers. The program will focus on specific sectors, starting with the beverage industry. For example, soft drink manufacturers will be mandated to recycle 50% of their plastic packaging by 2026, 75% by 2027, and achieve a 100% recycling rate by 2028. This ambitious goal is in line with Uzbekistan’s broader commitment to tackling plastic pollution.

The Ministry estimates that the EPR scheme will facilitate the recycling of approximately 1.2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, significantly reducing the environmental impact of plastic products. One of the key objectives of the scheme is to generate accurate data on waste generation, disposal, and recycling, which will provide a foundation for more effective waste management policies and strategies in the future.

The proposed EPR scheme forms part of a larger, forward-looking framework under Uzbekistan’s 2030 strategy. Specifically, it is incorporated into the National Plastic Pollution Reduction programme, scheduled for the 2025-2027 period. As part of this ambitious environmental plan, other notable measures include a proposal to ban the production, import, and use of plastic bags by 2027. Additionally, the country plans to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles, which would incentivize recycling by offering a refund for returned bottles.

This draft programme is currently available for public review and discussion on the online portal for Uzbekistan's 2030 National Strategy. Through this, the government aims to encourage public involvement and gather feedback to refine the policy. The initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future while also fostering a circular economy that reduces waste and pollution.

If successful, the EPR scheme and associated policies could set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in Central Asia, reinforcing Uzbekistan's role in global efforts to mitigate plastic pollution.