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Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which both have an average elevation
of about 3000 metres, are truly mountainous countries with
limited space and conditions for safe waste storage, be it
municipal waste or hazardous industrial waste. The legacy wastes
of former uranium and heavy metals production and unstable
tailings, which are prone to wind and water erosion and landslide
risks, are painful reminders of the long-term implications of
improper waste management.
The current SWM systems in both countries are underfunded,
with low levels of official and informal recycling rates. Both
the waste tariffs and awareness about the need to reduce and
recycle, are also low. In Tajikistan the state enterprise on housing
and communal services “Manziliyu Kommunali” is responsible
for waste management across the country, while in Kyrgyzstan
several municipal waste companies serve the main cities.
Waste collection in rural areas is almost non-existent, but waste
generation in rural areas is lower and recycling and composting
is more prevalent.
In both countries international financial institutions, such as
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, are
helping to improve waste collection and delivery services in
the major urban centres and expand waste collection coverage
to the nearby rural and semi-urban areas. Local authorities and
residents are optimistic about the upcoming waste system
improvements. UN Environment (UNEP) has assisted Tajikistan
is developing the National Waste Management Strategy till 2030
(under review) and has supported Kyrgyzstan in research and
action on mercury waste.
More detailed information about SWM in the main cities and
countries of Central Asia will be available in the upcoming UNEP
Regional Waste Outlook on Central Asia.
CASE STUDY
Financing solid waste management in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan –
the two most mountainous countries of Central Asia
Dushanbe city landfill, Tajikistan.
Photo
©
Zoi Environment Network