Status of plastic waste recycling worldwide, Kazakhstan and policy recommendations

This project presents a literature review and policy analysis of plastic waste recycling technologies and their environmental, economic, and policy implications. The study examines the development of plastic recycling systems, focusing on mechanical and chemical recycling technologies, global best practices, and the role of policy frameworks in improving waste management outcomes.

The research synthesizes academic literature, international policy reports, and industry sources to analyze how different countries approach plastic waste recycling. Case studies of recycling systems in countries such as Japan, Germany, and Sweden are discussed to illustrate different approaches to waste separation, deposit-return systems, and energy recovery strategies.

The paper also provides a focused analysis of the plastic recycling sector in Kazakhstan, including an overview of domestic recycling companies, current recycling infrastructure, and national environmental policy initiatives. The study identifies key challenges limiting the expansion of plastic recycling, including technological constraints, limited infrastructure, economic barriers, and low public participation in waste separation.

The findings suggest that strengthening recycling infrastructure, expanding policy instruments such as extended producer responsibility and deposit-return systems, and increasing public awareness could significantly improve recycling rates and support the development of a circular economy.

This work is intended as an academic coursework project and as a preliminary research overview of plastic recycling systems and policy approaches.