Uzbekistan takes an obligation to purchase energy from the Chinese factory 

Chinese investors are reportedly constructing plants that produce energy by burning waste in six regions of Uzbekistan. Together with paying for their waste utilization, the state is also taking the obligation to buy energy produced by waste. It was announced during the presentation of the expansion of waste recycling measures familiarized by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 14.  

At the presentation, the responsible officials outlined the implementation of the projects and the plans on the agenda. It is stated that Uzbekistan produces 14 million tons of household waste yearly. But the recycling level remains low. As a result of the projects in the last years, it has only reached 5 percent.  

According to the report, burning waste is supporting energy production projects. Chinese investors have been constructing such factories in six regions of Uzbekistan. Two factories that produce heat by burning medical waste have recently been put into operation. Two plants have been planned to be constructed in Samarkand and one in each of the other regions.  

Papers, plastics, rubbers, glasses, and textiles account for one-fourth of the household waste. The acquisition of 1 trillion soums worth of products was said to be achieved by recycling them. Besides that, it has also been noted that the country has large reserves of industrial oils that are not processed domestically, including construction, chemical, electronic, technical, and industrial oils.  

In addition, it has also been insisted that the waste removal services should be in conditions that satisfy the population. Therefore, a task was given to establish online schedules of the arrival time of waste removal transportations, as well as viewing options of their movement in the neighborhoods. An annual program has been announced to fully provide social institutions and neighborhoods with waste containers. It has also been emphasized that fostering environmental awareness among the population should begin in kindergartens and schools. 

It is worth noting that more than 2 trillion soums have been allocated to this sector from all sources in the last three years. The Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development was established last year. 1,200 pieces of equipment have been bought for waste recycling plants. Waste areas have been established in the neighborhoods. As a result of the upgraded collection and transportation, this sector has become a source of secondary raw materials. 

In a sector that was previously under the state monopoly, entrepreneurship has been encouraged, creating a favorable business environment. In particular, the profit tax and social tax rates were set at 1 percent for the sanitary cleaning and recycling factories. Equipment and items imported from abroad have been freed from customs duties. As a result, nearly 200 sanitary cleaning and 290 recycling plants have been set up.