Action Plan on reducing the negative impacts of plastic packaging wastes on the environment in Azerbaijan for 2019-2020.

The main purpose of the Action Plan is to reduce pollution with a special emphasis on the negative impacts of the mass use of plastic packaging products on plants, animals, land and water resources. The Action Plan includes a strategic vision to 2020, a long-term vision to 2025 and a target vision for the period beyond 2025. The strategic vision until 2020 envisages the strengthening of the plastic packaging waste management through an improved legal framework, a comprehensive monitoring mechanism, and stimulating waste reduction and recycling. The long-term vision for the period up to 2025 calls for the improved institutional and legal frameworks and progressive management system in the management of specific waste streams, including plastic packaging waste; reduction of environmental impact through the use of modern technologies; application of innovative technologies in waste management; and broad participation of the private sector. The target vision for the period after 2025 envisages achieving a further increase in the efficiency of activities in the field of plastic packaging waste management.
The strategic goals of the Action Plan are as follows: effective management of plastic packaging waste; and reducing the rate of plastic waste generation. Capacity building will be enhanced in the field of plastic packaging waste management through research on international experience in the field of plastic packaging waste management and selection of appropriate approaches; implementation of pilot projects on plastic packaging waste management; and evaluation of the results of pilot projects. Plastic packaging waste management system will be improved by promoting plastic packaging waste recycling, developing legal frameworks, and following the latest developments at international level. A database will be established which will provide information on plastic packaging manufacturers and importers, plastic packaging waste processing, the rates of recycling, disposal and final neutralization, etc. Measures will be taken to reduce the use of plastic packaging materials and expand the use of alternative packaging materials. Public awareness will be raised on the importance of effective management of plastic packaging waste, waste reduction, the use of alternative packaging materials, as well as the negative impact of plastic packaging waste on the environment.