Plastic Waste Becomes A Resource In Batken

Every day, the amount of plastic waste in Kyrgyzstan continues to grow. According to data from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, the country produces over 180,000 tons of solid household waste annually, of which up to 15% is plastic. Most of this plastic accumulates in landfills, polluting the soil, water, and air, with only a small fraction being recycled.

However, waste is a valuable resource. In Batken, it has been proven that even in a small town, a system can be created that not only addresses environmental issues but also boosts the development of a green economy. Thanks to the project "Public Sorting Space in Batken City," implemented with the support of the GEF Small Grants Programme under UNDP, a comprehensive and sustainable waste management system has been established in the city.

A recycling collection point was opened in Batken, where any resident can bring waste—plastic, paper, or metal—and receive compensation. As part of the project, equipment was purchased to launch the production of synthetic padding, an in-demand insulation material made from plastic bottles, in partnership with the local recycling company "Batken Chistaya Zona." This not only reduced the amount of waste but also created new jobs: two at the collection point and three in production.

The project went beyond just infrastructure. Environmental trainings were held in schools, universities, and local administrations, involving over 2,500 people, including schoolchildren, students, women, government representatives, and activists. Participants were taught about waste sorting, the dangers of plastic, and how everyone can contribute to preserving nature. The culmination of this awareness-raising effort was the Trash Festival—a large-scale event in the region dedicated to the topic of waste.

The project placed special emphasis on involving women, youth, and people with disabilities in training and volunteer activities. Moreover, local organizations received organizational training and are now continuing environmental work in their communities, sharing knowledge and developing partnerships.

The entire system has been made as transparent and modern as possible: data on collected recyclables is recorded in the mobile app Tazar, enabling analytics and fostering a data-driven approach.

The results of the Batken project are not just a local success. They are a contribution to global sustainable development goals. Thanks to the project, the volume of plastic waste and the burden on landfills have been reduced, air, water, and soil pollution have decreased, environmental awareness among the population has increased, and social cohesion and community engagement have been strengthened.

The story of Batken confirms that sustainable results are achieved with the participation of local communities. An initiative born from local enthusiasm and expert support from UNDP and GEF has become a sustainable model ready to be scaled to other regions of the country.

UNDP supports the Kyrgyz Republic in implementing its national priorities for reducing plastic waste, including the introduction of separate waste collection and recycling, a phased ban on single-use plastics, the development of a circular economy, the promotion of biodegradable alternatives, and raising environmental awareness among the population. This support is provided through projects aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework, developing local infrastructure, empowering communities, and introducing innovative solutions for sustainable waste management.

Working across the country, UNDP, with the support of GEF, promotes environmental protection, the improvement of national environmental policies, and sustainable local development. The UNDP-GEF partnership supports initiatives that protect the ecosystems of the Kyrgyz Republic. This comprehensive landscape approach combines biodiversity conservation, sustainable land and forest resource management, and inclusive development.