Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Following a presentation held on 14 August with the participation of the President, Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov outlined plans for digitalizing the waste management system and measures to be implemented in the capital.

The head of state instructed the creation of an online platform to track garbage truck routes and arrival times in each mahalla, as well as the preparation of a two-year program to equip all social facilities and neighborhoods with waste collection containers.

Earlier, the city administration announced the launch of the Toza Poytaxt (“Clean Capital”) digital waste collection control system. In an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV, Umurzakov noted the dire financial condition of the state enterprise “Makhsustrans,” responsible for waste removal. In 2022–2023, the company incurred losses totaling 45 billion soums, leading to delays in garbage collection of one to two days and a shortage of containers.

According to the mayor, digitalization was the only viable solution. The project has already been piloted in the Almazar district and will be rolled out citywide from 1 September. It is expected to save over 3 billion soums annually in fuel costs. To improve efficiency, 34 additional waste collection vehicles have been purchased, and drivers’ salaries have been doubled from 4 million to 8 million soums. This has increased daily waste collection by nearly 30% and enabled the introduction of night shifts.

Waste collection is planned to take place early in the morning, before rush hour, to avoid traffic congestion and increase the number of trips. Once the city’s financial situation stabilizes, an additional 480 waste collection points will be established.

Almazar District Mayor Azizkhon Umarhonov said garbage trucks are equipped with GPS devices and cameras, and the collection schedule for about 150 pickup points is integrated into an AI-based platform. In 44 mahallas of the district, waste will be collected twice a week on fixed days and times. The President instructed officials to study international best practices and implement a system where waste from private homes is collected not only on schedule but daily, and, if necessary, even hourly.

Umurzakov also addressed the issue of construction waste, which amounts to 5,000–6,000 tons daily in Tashkent. Since there is no landfill within the city, much of it is illegally dumped.

The President approved a project to establish a landfill or recycling plant in Tashkent or its outskirts. Negotiations are underway with a British company to build a facility for processing construction materials. According to the mayor, this will make it possible to recover wood, inert materials, and metals from construction waste, creating additional opportunities for the city’s economy.