Uzbekistan plans to raise fines for dumping waste from vehicles

The Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan is expected to be amended to increase penalties for dumping waste from vehicles. This measure is outlined in the Presidential Decree “On Approval of the Concept for Improving the Ecological Culture of the Population for the Period Until 2030,” adopted on May 15 of this year.

Currently, under Article 91-1 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility, individuals who dispose of waste in unauthorized areas are fined between 1 to 3 times the minimum monthly wage (from 375,000 to 1,125,000 soums), while legal entities face fines ranging from 3 to 5 times the minimum wage (from 1,125,000 to 1,875,000 soums).

Under the proposed amendments, these fines may be increased to 3 to 5 times the minimum monthly wage for first-time offenses. In cases of repeated violations, fines could rise to 10 to 15 times the minimum wage, amounting to between 3,750,000 and 5,625,000 soums.

Research indicates that approximately 53 percent of litter found on urban streets is left by drivers and passengers. The majority of this waste consists of plastic bottles, food scraps, and cigarette filters.

According to last year’s data, while 638,800 vehicles are officially registered in Tashkent, an additional 150,000 to 300,000 cars enter the capital each day. If just one in ten drivers discards waste improperly, this results in 15,000 to 30,000 instances of littering daily.

The proposed changes are aimed not only at addressing environmental concerns but also at fostering a sense of personal responsibility and promoting civic order. The amendments are currently under public discussion.