Uzbekistan’s next big idea – Ecology Minister proposes ‘eco-fee’ on batteries, glass and car parts

According to data presented by Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov to the president on 15 August, the first stage of the scheme will apply the fee to batteries and accumulators, vehicles, lubricants, packaging, tyres and rubber tubes, as well as glass products.

Each year, the country generates around 14 million tonnes of household waste, much of which ends up in landfills that pollute the air, water and soil. Recycling rates for certain types of waste remain low – 17% for tyres, 6.3% for glass and 11.2% for plastics.

Annually, Uzbekistan produces 144,000 tonnes of electronic waste, 1.8 million tonnes of plastic, 647,000 tonnes of glass, 250,000 tonnes of oils and 217,000 tonnes of rubber.

Authorities plan to require manufacturers to dispose of their own waste. To support this, a special fund will be established under the Waste Management Agency, which will allocate “green” subsidies to recycling projects.

According to estimates, recycling paper, plastic, rubber, glass and textiles alone could provide raw materials worth up to UZS 1 trillion. Recycling of construction, chemical, electronic and industrial waste is also considered promising.

While officials say the fee will promote recycling, it adds to the growing list of charges businesses and citizens already face. If the trend continues, finding new ways to tax may soon become the country’s most recycled idea – far ahead of glass, rubber or plastic.