Kazakhstan proposes one-time waste legalization to improve tracking, managementKazakhstan is proposing a one-time waste legalization initiative aimed at obtaining an accurate picture of waste generation and movement across the country, Deputy Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Zhomart Aliyev said on Tuesday.“A complete picture of waste generation and movement is currently lacking: up to 30% of waste is not reflected in reporting and falls outside the control system. Only 10% of enterprises submit reports electronically. There is a significant discrepancy between the state waste cadastre and data from the Geology Committee on man-made mineral formations,” Aliyev said at a government meeting in Astana while presenting measures under the Waste Management Concept for 2026–2030.He said the concept calls for a full inventory of all waste types, an update of the state cadastre, mandatory registration of all waste generators in a centralized information system, and digitalization of the sector, including the use of artificial intelligence.“Another important measure is the one-time waste legalization, which will allow waste owners to declare the actual accumulated volumes that are not recorded in reports, without any consequences. This will give us a real picture of all waste for subsequent identification of useful components and their inclusion in secondary circulation,” Aliyev said.To establish a unified regulatory framework, the concept also proposes consolidating waste-related legislation by category, removing contradictions and duplication, assigning clear powers and responsibilities—including strengthened liability for failure to recycle or reclaim waste—and improving management procedures for industrial, municipal, construction, agricultural and medical waste.“Such a framework is expected to simplify compliance and make regulation more transparent for all stakeholders,” he said.Aliyev added that the concept introduces economic incentives, including financing the construction of modern municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills through utilization payments, similar to recycling projects; revising tariffs with indexation every three years and a shift to an economically justified model; developing tax incentives and subsidies; and improving the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.He said effective implementation will require institutional strengthening of the waste management system, including granting Zhasyl Damu JSC the status of a National Waste Management Center, in line with international practice.“The National Center would become a key link in digitalizing the industry, creating reliable statistics, monitoring waste movement and ensuring transparency for businesses and investors. This will form the necessary foundation for transitioning to a modern, standardized and efficient waste management system,” Aliyev said.The draft concept sets key target indicators reflecting the shift toward systematic waste management: a 100% inventory of all waste types except radioactive waste; a 10% increase in industrial waste processed for secondary use; and at least a 10% reduction in municipal waste sent to landfills. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX