Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan plans to develop a National Program to Reduce Plastic Pollution for 2025–2027, as outlined in the draft state program for the current year, which is now open for public discussion. 

One of the key measures in this initiative will be the ban on the production, import, and use of plastic bags starting in 2027. The plan also includes promoting the use of environmentally safe (biodegradable) bags. Additionally, the program will seek to limit harmful chemicals in plastic products and introduce quotas for using recycled plastic in packaging. 

The project is expected to be completed by September 2025 and submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers by November 2025. 

According to the draft presidential decree, a bill will be developed by 1 November 2025, requiring manufacturers and importers of products in plastic packaging to establish a return system for packaging using reverse vending machines and create collection and recycling points for plastic. The bill will also propose the introduction of extended obligations for paying recycling fees for plastic packaging. 

Reverse vending machines are planned to be installed at large retail outlets, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and markets. Furthermore, manufacturers of non-alcoholic beverages will be required to recycle a certain percentage of their plastic packaging: 50% by 2026, 75% by 2027, and 100% by 2028. 

These measures aim to significantly increase the recycling rate of plastic waste, reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, and extend the lifespan of landfill sites. 

More than 100 countries have already implemented full or partial bans on single-use plastic bags, and between 2010 and 2019, the number of government programs aimed at reducing plastic use tripled.