Hazardous Waste Management in the City of Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast

Hazardous waste management in the city of Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast is an important environmental task, as the city has a significant industrial infrastructure, a developed transport system and an agricultural sector. The presence of industrial enterprises and a large amount of household waste create environmental challenges that require a systematic approach to their collection, storage and processing.

Hazardous waste management in Lozova includes a set of measures aimed at reducing the impact of toxic substances on the environment. The city has specialized collection points that accept batteries, chemical reagents, fluorescent lamps and electronic devices. However, environmental monitoring shows that some hazardous materials end up in general waste streams or are thrown away in places not intended for this.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises in the city plays a key role in reducing pollution. Lozova is home to enterprises of the machine-building, chemical and food industries, which generate significant amounts of hazardous waste annually. In 2023, 18 environmental inspections were conducted, which revealed violations of the rules for storing and handling toxic substances at 40% of enterprises.

Hazardous waste is stored at specially equipped landfills that meet state safety standards. However, existing capacities can no longer fully meet the needs of the city, which creates risks of overloading storage facilities. Particular attention should be paid to the storage of chemicals, industrial sludge and waste oils, which can pose a threat to groundwater and the ecosystem of the region.

Transportation of hazardous waste from Lozova is carried out in accordance with environmental standards, which provide for the use of specialized transport. In 2023, more than 60 tons of toxic materials were transported from the city to processing plants in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The use of sealed containers and control over transportation minimize the risks of leakage of hazardous substances.

Recycling of hazardous waste is an important area of ​​the city's environmental policy. Today, a significant part of waste is transported to other regions, since Lozova does not have specialized enterprises for the processing of toxic materials. In 2023, the city transferred more than 25 tons of batteries, mercury lamps and electronic equipment for recycling. It is planned to expand the infrastructure and attract investments in the creation of modern environmental facilities.

Public awareness of environmental problems remains at an insufficient level. According to research results, only 42% of residents are aware of the existence of specialized hazardous waste collection points. In 2023, 14 educational events were held aimed at raising the level of environmental awareness of the population, however, it is necessary to expand information campaigns and involve public organizations in environmental initiatives.

Local authorities are actively cooperating with environmental organizations and international funds to improve the hazardous waste management system. Thanks to funding in 2023, the city received 2 million hryvnias to purchase new equipment for the collection and transportation of toxic materials. It is also planned to implement a pilot project to create mobile hazardous waste collection points.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains a priority for the city. In 2023, 15 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances in forest belts and on the outskirts of the city were recorded. To combat this problem, it is planned to introduce an electronic control system for the movement of hazardous waste, as well as increase penalties for violations of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Lozova to gradually improve the environmental situation. The introduction of modern technologies for the collection, transportation, storage and processing of toxic materials helps reduce environmental pollution and create safe conditions for residents. However, for the further development of this area, it is necessary to expand the environmental infrastructure, increase the responsibility of enterprises, and strengthen control over compliance with environmental standards.