THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN KAZAKHSTAN: IMPACT EVALUATION

Many countries are updating their consumption models from the conventional linear model to circularity in an era of overconsumption and, as a result, steady growth in waste. One of the important markers of the circular economy is waste management. This study aims to analyze the potential of improving the waste management system with the implementation of the Action Plan for the transition to a circular economy. Analysis of panel data with fixed and random effects and the synthetic control method were used. Data was collected for Kazakhstan and 27 European Union countries for the period 2010-2020. Appropriate tests, such as the Fischer test, Wald statistics, and placebo test, were carried out for reliability and adequacy of the research results. Results showed that the recycling rate of municipal waste in Kazakhstan would be significantly higher if the Action Plan for the transition to a circular economy were adopted. Conclusions and recommendations have been drawn based on the findings and analysis.