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AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ATTITUDES OF NUKUS RESIDENTS AGED
18-25 TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WASTE
Tajekeev Ziynatdin Kobeysinovich, Khamitov Nurbek Yerbol ugli, Muratbaev Islambek,
Saginbaev Sultan, Sultamuratov Qallibek
Abstract:
This study investigates the attitudes of Nukus residents aged 18 to 25 towards the
environmental impact of waste through an empirical analysis. Against the backdrop of
increasing resource depletion and environmental degradation, understanding young adults’
perceptions is essential for developing sustainable waste management strategies. The research
explores how this demographic perceives waste-related environmental issues, their awareness
of ecological challenges, and their willingness to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors.
Findings highlight the critical role of youth engagement in addressing local environmental
problems and provide insights for policymakers to foster sustainable development in Nukus.
This study contributes to the broader discourse on balancing economic growth with
environmental protection in Uzbekistan.
Key words:
youth attitudes, environmental impact, waste management, empirical analysis,
sustainable development, resource depletion, ecological awareness, Uzbekistan.
In economic theory, “economy” is often defined as the study of scarce resources among
competing uses. The modern path of extensive resource depletion may satisfy current needs but
also causes complex, often unnoticed problems. Over time, we realize that this progress brings
irreversible environmental damage.
This awareness demands careful and comprehensive responses from consumers and producers
to ecological challenges. Without methodological, economic, legal, and technical solutions, the
Earth’s capacity will fall short of human demands, leading to inevitable consequences.
The Constitution of Uzbekistan, Article 62, requires citizens to treat the environment with care,
highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility. Understanding how local
populations, especially youth, perceive environmental issues is vital for sustainable
development.
This study provides an empirical analysis of the attitudes of Nukus residents aged 18–25
towards the environmental impact of waste. It examines how this demographic engages with
waste management and environmental protection, addressing what legacy we inherit, what
changes we make, and what future we leave behind. The findings aim to inform strategies for
reducing environmental harm and promoting sustainability in Nukus.
In the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the State Program for
Implementing the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy in the Year of Environmental Protection and
the “Green Economy,” Objective 72 of the program envisages improving the infrastructure for
municipal waste management, introducing a licensing procedure for the transportation of
household, construction, medical, industrial, hazardous, and toxic waste, conducting scientific
research on waste generation norms, morphological composition, and carbon footprint, as well
as encouraging users of recycled secondary raw materials.
Additionally, the following tasks have been identified as necessary to address:
–
Improving the ecological appearance of neighborhoods, increasing greenery in streets,
and creating an ecologically comfortable and prosperous living environment;
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–
Enhancing public health, fostering an ecological lifestyle, and creating conditions for
realizing human potential;
–
Saving natural resources and using them rationally to ensure ecological stability;
–
Protecting, multiplying, and passing on plant and animal life to future generations, and
preserving biodiversity;
–
Broadly implementing the principles of the “green economy” and sustainably financing
projects aimed at adapting the economy to climate change;
–
Increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy balance, including
constructing large “green energy” plants based on public-private partnerships, expanding
networks of small and micro hydroelectric power plants in regions, and encouraging the
installation of solar panels in households;
–
Reducing the “carbon footprint” in the economy through the widespread application of
modern energy-saving technologies in economic sectors and social spheres;
–
Ensuring coordination between regions and sectors aimed at ecological sustainability.
One of the most pressing economic issues at present is the effective reintegration of waste into
the economy. In this regard, the decree issued by our President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March
24, 2025, titled “On Measures to Further Improve and Systematize the Waste Recycling
Sector,” underscores the urgency of the problem that we are conducting a systematic analysis of.
The decree highlights that alongside several successful initiatives in this area, there remain a
number
of
systemic
challenges
that
need
to
be
addressed
(see
Figure
1).
Figure 1. Some Systemic Problems in Creating Favorable Conditions for Environmental
Safety and Ensuring Adequate Sanitary Conditions in Residential Areas
The problem we investigate is addressed within the framework of the decree and approached
methodologically through an empirical analysis aimed at proposing solutions to existing issues.
The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Development Strategy of
1
Prezident Sh. M. Mirziyoev tomondidan 2018 yil 18 may sanasida “Maishiy chiqindilar bilan
bog'liq ishlarni amalga oshirish tizimini yanada takomillashtirish chora-tadbirlari to‘g'risida”
chiqarilgan qarori asosida mualliflar guruhi tomonidan ishlab chiqildi. (xalq so‘zi gazetasi 2018
y. 22 may, 103 (7061) soni)
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New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026 (PF-60 dated January 28, 2022) was adopted. Objective 80 of
this decree sets the goal of “improving ecology and environmental protection, enhancing
ecological conditions in cities and districts, and implementing the national ‘Green Space’
project.” It includes the task of increasing the collection of household waste to 100% and
raising the recycling rate from 21% to 50% by 2026.
However, it should be noted that in this sector, there is a lack of scientifically grounded
methodological approaches for the statistics and geographic mapping of waste, which
exacerbates the urgency of the problem.
As mentioned above, we conducted an in-depth study on the environmental and economic
negative impacts of waste, including its harmful effects on people’s lifestyles. For this purpose,
a survey was administered to 850 respondents aged 18 to 25.
A total of 850 participants took part in the survey, and based on the results, the following
findings were obtained.
Figure 2. What Do You Do with Used Polyethylene Bags at Home?
The first question inquired about what households do with used polyethylene bags (see Figure
2). The results showed that 58% of respondents reported handing them over to designated
collection bins or specialized service companies. However, the remaining 42% demonstrated a
disregard for the environmental harm caused by improper waste disposal.
Analysis of responses to the second question revealed participants’ perceptions regarding the
“hazardous” and “non-hazardous” nature of different types of waste. On average, around 40%
of respondents classified various waste types as “hazardous.” The survey listed 12 categories of
waste items, of which only two were considered to have minimal environmental impact.
Nevertheless, the study indicated a general lack of awareness among respondents about the
harmful effects of various used household wastes.
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Figure 3. People’s Attitudes Toward Waste Disposal in the Environment
In response to the third question, which examined people’s attitudes toward waste disposal in
the environment, it was found that 30% of respondents were indifferent to waste issues, while
70% expressed concern about waste disposal and its harmful effects (see Figure 3).
Figure 4. What Kind of Waste (Disposal) Container (Cistern) Do You Use?
The fourth question examined the condition of waste containers and people’s attitudes toward
disposing of waste in designated bins, yielding the results shown in Figure 4. Responses
indicated that 33% of respondents practice waste segregation, while the remaining 37% do not
separate waste, resulting in mixed disposal. This complicates the recycling process and incurs
additional costs.
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Overall, 78% of residents aged 18 to 25 living in Nukus demonstrate a positive attitude toward
the environment and exhibit a developed subculture of maintaining cleanliness in their city.
1-table
Question 5. What is your attitude toward encouraging the collection and disposal of waste
into designated bins?
Answers to the questions
Number
of
respondents
Share
in
percentages
I would separate and collecte waste into designated
containers according to the established requirements.
640
76%
It depends on the amount of financial incentive.
210
24%
In response to question 5, nearly 100% of respondents expressed support for initiatives
encouraging proper waste disposal if an incentive system were in place.
Figure 5. If You Need to Dispose of Waste (From Food or Drink) on the Street, How
Much Time on Average Would You Spend Taking It to a Designated Bin?
Question 6 investigated the time respondents spend walking to waste containers, an important
factor influencing proper waste disposal (see Figure 5). Approximately 20% reported spending
about one minute, while 31% indicated spending between one and five minutes. The
availability and proximity of waste containers significantly affect waste disposal behavior;
greater distances or lack of containers often lead to improper disposal, increasing environmental
pollution.
According to the survey results, the majority of residents aged 18–25 in Nukus show a
generally positive attitude toward environmental cleanliness and ecological responsibility.
Specifically:
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58% reported handing over used polyethylene bags to specialized services, while 42%
disregarded the environmental risks.
Around 40% classified certain waste types as “hazardous,” though overall awareness of
household waste’s environmental impact remains limited.
70% recognized the necessity of proper waste disposal, while 30% were indifferent.
33% practiced waste segregation, but 37% mixed their waste, complicating recycling efforts
and increasing costs.
Nearly all respondents expressed support for incentive systems to encourage proper waste
disposal.
Despite the emerging ecological culture among youth, challenges persist: a significant portion
of the population remains unaware of environmental risks, and infrastructure issues like
insufficient or distant waste bins hinder proper waste management.
Waste mismanagement is among the most pressing environmental threats today, contributing to
soil, water, and air pollution, ecosystem disruption, and health risks. Persistent plastic, chemical,
and industrial waste exacerbate ecological imbalances. Therefore, improving waste segregation,
reducing waste generation, enhancing recycling, raising environmental awareness, and
upgrading waste infrastructure are critical tasks. Each citizen’s environmental responsibility
and daily attention to waste management are vital steps toward a sustainable and healthy future.
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tizimlashtirish chora-tadbirlari to‘g‘risida.”
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Ossenbruggen, P. J. (2004).
Fundamental Principles of System Analysis and Decision
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Ott, R. L., & Longnecker, M. (2024).
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Abdurahmonov, Q. X., Abduramanov, X. X., & Qurboniyozov, I. R. (2010).
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