Konysbay Zhambyl
The visit to the Kohei Recycling Center was made possible by the fact that local initiatives can contribute to the achievement of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action. The center plays a key role in promoting waste sorting and recycling, as well as raising public awareness. I believe that the experience of Niseko Environment Co., LTD, a company focused on an ecological lifestyle, can serve as a basis for other countries, such as Kazakhstan, where similar initiatives can pave the way for a greener and cleaner future.
The Kohei Recycling Center adheres to a strict waste separation policy, requiring local residents and businesses to classify their waste into all categories, such as combustible, non-combustible and non-recyclable. By involving local residents and businesses, the center limits behavior and develops a circular economy. One of the main advantages of the center is its educational function: residents not only recycles waste, but also learns about its impact on the environment. The main task of the center is the production of combustible solid fuel for the needs of other corporations in the production of heat and paper. This fuel is produced from sorted combustible waste such as paper, plastic, textile and low-moisture organic matter. After pre-treatment, drying and pressing, the waste is converted into fuel pellets suitable for combustion in industrial boilers and furnaces. The volume of combustible waste disposed of in the city is approximately 4,500 tons. Of the total volume, approximately 60% is used to produce solid fuel (paper – 33%, plastic – 11%, textile – 7%, wood – 8%, rubber, leather, other – 1%).
Kohei Recycling Center is an example of how a local company can become a driving force for change in the field of ecology, economic development and circular economy. The “waste to resources” model is both an active participation in the life of society and a focus on a sustainable future, which makes the company not just a service provider, but a true environmental partner of the region.
