On September 23, FAO, together with the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development of Uzbekistan, held a roundtable in Tashkent with representatives of government authorities and the cement industry.
The participants discussed opportunities for the co-processing of certain types of hazardous waste in cement kilns using alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR).
The event brought together representatives of government institutions, international organizations, the Association of Cement Producers of Uzbekistan, and cement companies. Particular attention was paid to regulatory requirements, permitting procedures, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.
The participants also reviewed the experience of Azerbaijan, where, with FAO support, trials were conducted on the controlled co-processing of pesticide waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Following the meeting, the organizers plan to identify interested cement plants and conduct technical assessments. This will provide a basis for developing potential pilot projects for waste co-processing in cement kilns.
