EcoChallenge Results: AIU students’ activity in collecting plastic waste demonstrates progress toward sustainable development

Launched on 10 November and dedicated to the World Recycling Day on 15 November, the EcoChallenge of the School of Natural Sciences at Astana International University has come to its conclusion. The results of this environmental initiative aimed at fostering ecological culture were announced on 28 November.

The EcoChallenge is an important component of the Restart project implemented within the memorandum between the G-Global Green Economy and Development Coalition and Astana International University.

Restart Project: phased development and enhancement of environmental literacy

The Restart project, aimed at building a culture of proper waste management among university students, is being implemented in several stages.

🔹 Since 2024, AIU students have actively used Sparklo reverse vending machines to submit plastic waste and engage in accessible recycling practices.
🔹 In 2025, the project’s infrastructure expanded with new plastic waste collection channels: Freedom vending machines and LS Astana — a secondary raw materials collection and processing center.

LS Astana is an eco-center that receives, sorts, and sends solid household waste to recycling facilities. Students’ active use of this center indicates a rising level of environmental awareness.

EcoChallenge Results

The challenge recorded the following indicators:

• more than 50 video submissions;
• 500 students actively participated;
• 500 kg of plastic waste were sent for recycling.

These indicators reflect strong student engagement in sustainable development initiatives.

Winners

🥇 1st place — EiP 25A group
🥈 2nd place — IYa 24-3 group
🥉 3rd place — Chemistry 24A group

The EcoChallenge contributed to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 — Climate Action, SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals

Held from 10 to 28 November and dedicated to the World Recycling Day, the EcoChallenge helped enhance AIU students’ environmental responsibility and strengthen the recycling culture. The Restart project and cooperation with the G-Global Green Economy and Development Coalition represent an important step toward sustainable development at the university.

AIU will continue to support environmental initiatives and advance work toward the SDGs.

Organizers: Aidanа Kydyrova, Ayman Karabalayeva