A unique alley of benches made from recycled plastic has opened in Almaty’s Yuzhny Park, becoming both a new public attraction and a powerful example of how environmental initiatives can transform urban spaces and promote sustainable living.
The project was implemented as part of the national environmental campaign «Taza Kazakhstan» and was dedicated to World Environment Day. Its main goal is to demonstrate how everyday waste can be given a second life and turned into useful public infrastructure.
The centerpiece of the alley is a collection of 11 benches produced from recycled plastic bottle caps. Approximately 120,000 caps were collected and processed to create the benches, preventing a significant amount of plastic waste from ending up in landfills.
The collection campaign brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, including schoolchildren, university students, volunteers, community activists, employees of various organizations, and senior residents. The project became a vivid example of how collective action can contribute to meaningful environmental change.
The new alley reflects the principles of a circular economy, where materials remain in use for as long as possible and waste is transformed into valuable resources. Through recycling, thousands of plastic items were converted into durable urban furniture that will serve residents for years to come.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project also carries an important educational message. The benches serve as a reminder of the importance of waste separation, recycling, and responsible consumption. Visitors can see firsthand how recyclable materials can be transformed into practical and attractive products.
The new public space in Yuzhny Park is more than just a place to relax. It symbolizes the growing environmental awareness of Almaty residents and demonstrates how small individual actions can collectively make a significant impact on the city and its environment.
As Almaty continues to promote sustainable urban development, projects like this help build a greener, cleaner, and more environmentally responsible future for generations to come.
11 benches, 120,000 plastic caps, and thousands of engaged residents — this is what Almaty’s contribution to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city looks like.
