Starting from June 1, Kyrgyzstan implemented a ban on plastic bags in biosphere reserves and natural protected areas. This measure is part of a broader plan to prohibit the production, sale, and distribution of plastic bags nationwide by 2027.
The Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic underscored the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on human health and the environment. The Ministry noted that plastic, in the form of micro- and nano-particles, infiltrates the human body through food, packaging, water, and air. Additionally, plastic waste continues to pollute the environment during disposal, with waste disposal workers facing significant health risks from exposure to burning plastic.
Asel Raimkulova, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, explained that the use of recyclable plastic products within the country is under review and likely to continue. However, the nationwide ban on plastic bags will be absolute. Although there is opposition to the use of plastic bottles, exceptions will be made due to the lack of alternatives for Kyrgyz bottling companies.
Eco-activists highlighted that Kyrgyzstan has around 80 plastic recycling plants, but these facilities are insufficient to handle the increasing volume of waste. With seven out of ten supermarket products now partially or fully packaged in plastic, the recycling plants are overwhelmed. Activists from the environmental movement Peshcom emphasized the difficulty in recycling tetra paks, which contain layers of aluminium and polyethene in addition to cardboard, making separation and recycling challenging.
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