On December 19, 2025, a webinar on "Opportunities for Cooperation with South Korea in Waste Management" was held by the Kazakhstan Waste Management Association "KazWaste." The event focused on a discussion of advanced waste recycling technologies presented by South Korean experts and the potential for their implementation in Central Asian countries.
The webinar was attended by the Director of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) Country Office in Kazakhstan and the Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan. Participants discussed South Korea's innovative approaches to waste management, including solar panel recycling, which is a key area for developing renewable energy and reducing environmental impacts.
"South Korea's experience should be studied as the most high-tech, proven, and economically feasible. The implementation of such solutions could be an important step in developing a circular economy in the region," noted Mergen Kepbanov , Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
"CAREC supports the country's efforts to implement modern waste management methods. In this regard, we have already conducted training sessions with German partners for employees of organizations subordinate to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan. We are open to expanding international cooperation, including with South Korean companies," emphasized Yerlan Zhumabayev , Director of CAREC in Kazakhstan.
The webinar presented technological solutions such as a solar panel waste recycling system that can recover up to 95% of materials, including aluminum, glass, and rare metals, while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
The organizers expressed hope for further development of dialogue between the countries of Central Asia and South Korea in the field of environmental technologies and waste management.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov , Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org
Erlan Zhumabaev - Director of CAREC in Kazakhstan, kazakhstan@carececo.org