Uzbekistan introduces online payments for waste collection and develops circular economy

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting was held at the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change under the chairmanship of Presidential Advisor Aziz Abdukhakimov with leaders of sanitation enterprises.

During the session, Sharifbek Khasanov, Director of the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development, presented a report on the activities of 111 enterprises in the sector, including state-owned, public-private partnership (PPP), cluster, and alternative companies.

Under the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy, objectives were discussed to increase the share of alternative energy production from waste to 35% and reduce the number of landfills by 50%.

To improve public satisfaction, directives were issued to strictly follow waste collection schedules, enhance call center and online platform operations, and resolve problem areas together with local community groups (“mahalla seven”).

The sector introduced 12 new incentives and extended the validity of 12 existing preferences. Achievements include the reclamation and closure of 47 landfills, and the installation of electronic scales and video surveillance at 37 facilities.

Starting from 1 January 2026, payment for services will be made exclusively online based on the actual volume of waste collected, with funds distributed through the Agency’s account according to KPI metrics.

Aziz Abdukhakimov emphasized the need to revise tariff policies, introduce separate rates for markets and catering facilities, extend benefits until 2031, and create a “green corridor” for fuel supply.

With the integration of the debt collection system with the electricity network, a full transition to online payments and public offer contracts with legal entities is planned.

A working group led by Sharifbek Khasanov will, by April 2026, analyze the operations of enterprises in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Kashkadarya, and Samarkand regions, followed by allocation of new territories and public awareness campaigns under the “door-to-door” principle.