On August 12, 2025, cases of illegal dumping of household and construction waste were again revealed in Shymkent. This time, municipal services discovered spontaneous dumps in Karatau and Turan districts, including the Turan and Tasken microdistricts, as well as on Pavlov Street. City service workers note that such situations are happening more and more often, despite regular garbage removal and environmental campaigns.

According to city authorities, garbage is collected and removed daily, and within the framework of the republican project "Taza Kazakhstan" in Shymkent for several years in a row large-scale clean-up days have been held. However, some city residents demonstrate indifference to the citywide rules of improvement. Some deliberately throw garbage on the roadsides, in green areas and even in the courtyards of apartment buildings, creating a threat to sanitary conditions and spoiling the appearance of the city.

Such actions not only violate sanitary standards, but also pose a health hazard to residents. Rotting waste promotes the reproduction of insects and rodents, the unpleasant smell spreads over a considerable distance, and microparticles of waste can get into the air and soil. In addition, spontaneous dumps often become a place where construction waste containing potentially hazardous materials is dumped.

The authorities remind that administrative measures and fines are provided for illegal dumping of waste. Before imposing a penalty, the facts of the violation are recorded and evidence is collected. At the same time, it is emphasized that fines are only one of the tools, while the key task is to increase the level of environmental responsibility of the population.

Comparing the situation with previous years, certain fluctuations can be noticed. For example, in 2023, the “Clean City is a Common Cause” campaign was held in Shymkent, during which dozens of courtyards were improved, new containers and urns were installed, and streets and parks were cleared of garbage. In those months, the number of illegal dumps decreased, but after six months, a gradual return to the previous level of violations was recorded. The reason is that many residents perceive cleaning the territory as a one-time event, and not as a permanent obligation.

In 2024, the Green Initiative project was launched, with special attention paid to the formation of environmental culture in the younger generation. Schoolchildren and students took part in waste sorting, tree planting and courtyard improvement campaigns. However, this effect was also temporary: after a while, reports of illegal dumps appeared again, especially in areas with active construction.

The situation in August 2025 indicates that the problem persists and requires a systemic approach. Clean-up days and raids alone are not enough. A set of measures is needed, including the installation of additional containers in places where there is the greatest congestion, the organization of round-the-clock video surveillance of green areas and wastelands, as well as active informing of citizens about the harm of illegal waste dumping.

Construction waste deserves special attention. In the private sector and during the construction of apartment buildings, it is not uncommon to see construction waste dumped right on vacant lots or along roads. Such waste not only spoils the landscape, but also poses a real danger - sharp objects, glass, metal can injure children and animals. The authorities are considering the possibility of introducing additional requirements for construction companies, obliging them to provide confirmation of waste removal to authorized landfills.

Experience from previous years shows that not only punitive measures are effective, but also involving the population in joint actions. For example, in 2022, in some microdistricts, initiative groups of residents were created who monitored the cleanliness of courtyards, installed warning signs, and even agreed on duty. In such places, the level of violations was significantly lower.

City authorities emphasize that cleanliness in Shymkent is a common cause, and without the conscious participation of city residents it is impossible to achieve long-term results. Utility workers do their job every day, but the efforts of specialists will be in vain if residents continue to ignore the rules of improvement.

Shymkent is the third largest city in Kazakhstan, and its appearance is formed not only by large-scale construction projects and landscaping, but also by basic discipline in matters of cleanliness. It is possible to keep the city comfortable and attractive for living only with the joint actions of residents and authorities.

The situation recorded on August 12, 2025, should serve as a reminder that the habit of throwing garbage "wherever" is unacceptable. The city calls on its residents to respect the work of utility workers and protect the common space, because only in this way can Shymkent be truly clean, green and cozy.