The capacity of the Republican Center for Radioactive Waste Storage in Uzbekistan is nearly exhausted, with only about 4-5 years of space remaining. This was announced by Sardorbek Yakubekov, deputy chairman of the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety.

According to Yakubekov, the center has ten storage facilities. Four of them are already completely full, while the rest are filled between 50% and 92%. This situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country's radioactive waste management system.

In response, deputies have reviewed a draft law 'On Radioactive Waste Management'. The document aims to regulate the entire lifecycle of such waste, from generation and processing to transportation, storage, and disposal. It also introduces unified safety requirements, the 'polluter pays' principle, the establishment of a national operator, and public participation mechanisms.

Furthermore, a presidential decree has set a target to increase the processing level of radioactive and certain chemically hazardous wastes to 20% by 2030. The Republican Center is also planned to be transferred to the Waste Management and Circular Economy Development Agency.

Earlier, it was reported that starting from August 1, residents of Uzbekistan can report violations of industrial, radiation, and nuclear safety requirements by providing photo and video evidence. If the violation is confirmed, the applicant will receive 20% of the collected fine amount.

Source: podrobno.uz