Kazakhstan considers ban on single-use plastic tableware

Kazakhstan could ban single-use tableware such as plastic cups, plates and cutlery. The country is helping develop an international agreement that would impose strict restrictions on such products, according to Zhomart Aliyev, vice minister of ecology and natural resources. The timeline for a potential ban, however, remains unknown.

Why authorities are targeting single-use plastic

According to the vice minister, single-use plastic is very difficult to recycle. Unlike many other types of waste, some of these products are virtually impossible to recycle into new goods. As a result, non-recyclable plastic products continue to accumulate and harm the environment.

During a media briefing at the Central Communications Service, Aliyev said the issue is being discussed internationally, with Kazakhstan participating in these discussions.

Proposed сhanges

Aliyev said one option under consideration involves strict restrictions on single-use plastics, with a proposed exception for the medical sector.

However, because the international agreement is still under negotiation, Kazakhstan has not set a timeline for a potential ban.

Kazakhstan is already recycling several other types of waste, such as plastic, glass, paper, cardboard and rubber, according to Darkhan Dautov, deputy chairman of Zhasyl Damu JSC, a state-owned entity responsible for waste collection and recycling. Although only a fraction of recyclable waste is actually recycled, the situation is gradually improving.

Because not all plastic is suitable for recycling, the Ministry of Ecology has promised to release a list of the types of plastic waste not currently being recycled in Kazakhstan.