Citizen Activists Force Cleanup of Massive Illegal Landfill in Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan Activists Expose Illegal Landfill, Spurring Cleanup Efforts In April 2025, members of the "New People" movement in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, uncovered a significant illegal landfill near the Aiya residential complex. The site, located along the Great Steppe Avenue, had accumulated tens of tons of construction and household waste over weeks, possibly months. Activists documented the situation, noting that workers simply mixed the garbage with soil, resulting in environmental damage and the destruction of a nearby lake. Their findings quickly gained traction on social media and in local news outlets. "We found evidence of a massive illegal dumpsite," stated Bauyrzhan, leader of the AntiTrash project, in a video interview. "Workers were simply burying the waste, leading to an ecological catastrophe." The "New People" movement formally appealed to the city administration. On April 23, the AntiTrash Astana campaign joined Esil district deputy akim Madiyár Jumabaev at the site. A large-scale cleanup began, with initial efforts focusing on 70,000 square meters of land. KAMAZ trucks removed dozens of bags of waste daily. The incident prompted a response from relevant authorities, marking a positive step towards environmental remediation. The activists plan to monitor the site regularly to ensure lasting change. The successful cleanup demonstrates the effectiveness of citizen activism and collaboration with local government in addressing environmental issues. The incident also underscores the ongoing need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent future illegal dumping.