Uzbekistan's recycling industry set to capitalise on foreign investment influx

Investments in the recycling industry can facilitate the recovery and reuse of valuable resources from waste materials. This reduces the strain on natural resources and promotes sustainable practices crucial for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Increased investment can lead to better waste management systems, including collection, sorting, and processing facilities. This can help address issues such as landfill overflow and improper waste disposal, improving public health and sanitation.

Speakers at the International Investment Forum in Tashkent emphasised the burgeoning investment opportunities within Uzbekistan's recycling sector. With approximately US$60 billion (EUR 55.7 billion) in foreign investment flowing into the country over the last six years and a robust 6 per cent growth in gross domestic product last year, Uzbekistan is poised to attract even more investment, particularly in sustainable ventures.

Botirjon Khamraev, Deputy Mayor of the Andijan region, emphasises that prioritising waste recycling initiatives is crucial for the country. He highlights potential investments of US$30 million in such projects, projecting a return on investment within three years.

Uzbekistan, with a population exceeding 35 million, generates approximately 7 million tonnes of household waste annually. Despite around 300 recycling companies processing 1.8 million tonnes of material, significant untapped potential remains.

Umarbek Khalilov, the first Deputy Chairman of the government's Ecology Committee, reiterates the government's commitment to environmental sustainability by stressing the importance of bolstering recycling infrastructure. He advocates for implementing 40 additional sorting lines, establishing 437 new waste collection sites, and creating specialised facilities for medical waste recycling, aiming to elevate recycling rates from their current level of less than 30 per cent to 50 per cent by 2025.