The UNDP competition for separate waste collection has ended, within the framework of which about 30 applications have been received and four of them will receive funding to implement their ideas.

Tazar Mobile application

Very often Bishkek residents encounter the fact that they do not possess the information of where and what kind of waste can be taken, and which type of waste could be recycled to reduce landfill waste. Separate waste collection is, albeit simple, one of the most effective eco-solutions used in many countries. Tazar application - the winner of the competition, offers to solve this problem.

Tazar is the platform aimed at improving the waste management system in Kyrgyzstan through mobile applications. Tazar application allows establishing contacts between citizens and waste recyclers, and has two functions: a detailed map with points of collection of recyclable materials “Recycling” and the option “Take my recyclable waste” with a bonus system of incentives for citizens. The first function is already working on iOS and Android. Through the Tazar App, users can find the nearest collection points for plastic, glass, paper, polyethylene, metal, organic and, equipment waste on the map as well as points of delivery of toxic waste and can receive monetary compensation for this. With the support of UNDP, the database of solid waste collection points will be updated, the work of an environmental researcher will be paid, as well as online and offline communication support will be provided to popularize the application and increase the number of people handing over waste for recycling.

The second award was given to the team of creators of the new design of ecological waste bins for separate collection of plastic, Begreen. According to the co-founder of the project, Aman Seydakmatov, the number of conscious citizens is increasing and ecological trash cans are filled for 4 days. The capacity of one ecological bin is 400 plastic bottles. These bins will be installed in 2 microdistricts of the city. The bin is presented in the form of an installation and has the shape of a bottle, which citizens associate with plastic. Owing to UNDP support, more eco-bins will be installed, which will increase the volume of recycled waste and will gradually increase the skill of separate waste collection with the population.

The third place was awarded to the Clean Village project, the founders of the project are Maksim Krechnev and Dmitry Luzhansky. Within the framework of the eco-competition, a motivating twenty-five-minute documentary manual will be created, which will detail the experience of communities that already practice separate waste collection and solutions to the problem. This film will make it possible to disseminate the experience of communities in separate waste collection throughout the republic. 

Despite the fact that three prizes were announced, considering the importance and relevance of spreading the method of composting organic waste to the population, UNDP decided to support the fourth application, which proposes reducing the volume of organic waste through the use of composting organic waste. According to the results of various studies, about 50% of all waste is organic waste. The spread of this method will reduce the volume of organic waste that will end up in landfills and turn it into organic fertilizers. The author of the Eco-Volunteer project, Nurzat Zhumamudunova, an eco-activist and teacher of chemistry and biology, plans to organize compost zones in the Ala-Too residential area, the Sarah-Ozon market and the Bishkek Zelenkhoz municipal enterprise.

UNDP pays special attention to the issue of sustainable development of the country and environmental education of the Kyrgyzstani people, forms a responsible attitude to the state of the environment through educational initiatives and competitions. This eco - initiative is part of the PAGE project (Partnership Actions for Green Economy - https://www.un-page.org).