Waste Management Outlook for Mountain Regions

CASE STUDY

Financing solid waste management in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan – the two most mountainous countries of Central Asia

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.

Dushanbe city landfill, Tajikistan. Photo © Zoi Environment Network

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