Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At a recent plenary session, members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis voted to send a formal parliamentary inquiry to Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The inquiry focuses on the development of a modern solid waste management system and the closure and reclamation of landfill sites.

Lawmakers acknowledged that while Uzbekistan has made significant strides in environmental protection, a number of critical challenges remain unresolved. Chief among them is the delayed implementation of programs aimed at shutting down waste dumps and restoring polluted ecosystems.

Key concerns raised by MPs include slow progress in constructing waste transfer stations, delays in adopting modern waste recycling technologies, and the lack of special QR-coded bags for categorizing waste at sanitation companies. They also highlighted the absence of a functioning "green subsidy" system to support entrepreneurs involved in recycling secondary raw materials.

Of particular concern is the issue of electric vehicle battery disposal — a matter becoming increasingly urgent amid the rising popularity of eco-friendly transport.

In the inquiry, the minister is asked to provide detailed explanations regarding the current status of efforts to modernize Uzbekistan’s solid waste management system and eliminate environmentally hazardous sites.