Government proposes higher penalties for throwing trash from cars

Authorities are planning to tighten penalties for littering from vehicles, according to the Waste Management and Circular Economy Development Agency.

The Environmental Culture Enhancement Concept until 2030, approved by the president on May 15, includes the introduction of corresponding amendments to the Code of Administrative Responsibility. These changes are intended as part of efforts to improve the country’s environmental legal framework.

Currently, Article 91.1 of the Code provides for a fine of 1 to 3 basic calculation units (BCUs), or 375,000 to 1,125,000 UZS, for dumping waste in unauthorized places. Repeat offenses incur fines ranging from 5 to 10 BCUs (1.875 million to 3.75 million UZS).

Citing international practices, the agency has proposed increasing these penalties. Under the new proposal, first-time offenders would face fines of 3 to 5 BCUs (1.125 million to 1.875 million UZS), while repeat violations would incur penalties of 10 to 15 BCUs (3.75 million to 5.625 million UZS).

According to the agency, around half of all roadside litter comes from vehicle drivers and passengers. The most commonly discarded items include cigarette butts, food and beverage packaging, plastic bottles, and paper waste.

Tashkent alone has about 638,800 registered vehicles, with an additional 150,000 to 300,000 vehicles entering the city daily from other regions. The agency estimates that if just one in ten vehicles is responsible for littering, this would result in 15,000 to 30,000 pieces of waste accumulating on the streets each day.

In March, the Ministry of Ecology reported the results of a one-day inspection campaign targeting illegal dumping. Sixteen violations were recorded in a single day, with total fines exceeding 11 million UZS.