Hazardous waste management in the city of Beryslav, Kherson region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Beryslav, Kherson region is an important environmental issue, as the city is located near the Kakhovka reservoir and has significant agricultural and industrial potential. A large amount of chemical fertilizers, oil residues and industrial waste creates a risk of groundwater and air pollution. To prevent environmental disasters, it is necessary to implement modern methods of controlling hazardous substances.

Hazardous waste management includes their collection, sorting, transportation and further processing. There are special collection points for accumulators, batteries, electronic equipment and chemicals in Beryslav. However, according to environmentalists, about 40% of hazardous materials still end up in natural landfills or are burned, which negatively affects the environment.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises in the city is aimed at minimizing the impact of hazardous substances on nature. In Beryslav, there are agro-processing, food and transport enterprises that generate hundreds of tons of hazardous waste every year. In 2023, more than 20 environmental inspections were conducted, which revealed a number of violations in the field of handling toxic materials. To reduce the environmental load, enterprises are required to implement modern cleaning and filtration technologies.

Hazardous waste is stored in the city at specially designated sites that meet state safety standards. However, the existing infrastructure does not fully meet the needs of the region, so some hazardous materials accumulate in unsuitable places. The greatest threat is posed by residues of agrochemicals that can enter water resources, causing environmental risks.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out in accordance with international environmental standards. In 2023, more than 80 tons of hazardous substances were transported from Beryslav to specialized enterprises engaged in their processing. To ensure safe transportation, certified vehicles with sealed containers are used, which prevent the leakage of harmful substances into the environment.

Hazardous waste recycling is an important area in the city's environmental safety. There are currently no specialized enterprises for the recycling of toxic materials in Beryslav, so most of the waste is exported to other regions. In 2023, the city transferred more than 30 tons of accumulators, batteries and fluorescent lamps for recycling. In the future, it is planned to open a local recycling center, which will reduce transportation costs and improve the environmental situation.

Public awareness of the problem of hazardous waste needs to be improved. According to the survey, only 42% of residents know about the rules for handling hazardous materials and the location of their collection points. In 2023, the city held 15 environmental events aimed at raising the environmental awareness of the population, but this is not enough to significantly change the behavior of citizens.

Local authorities are actively cooperating with state bodies and international funds to improve the hazardous waste management system. Thanks to the attraction of grant funds in 2023, Beryslav received 2.5 million hryvnias for the modernization of environmental infrastructure. Within the framework of this project, it is planned to create mobile collection points for hazardous substances and strengthen control over environmental standards at industrial enterprises.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains a pressing task. In 2023, the environmental inspection detected 14 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances in forest belts and on the banks of water bodies. To combat this phenomenon, Beryslav plans to implement an electronic system for controlling the movement of hazardous waste and install video surveillance in problem areas.

Thanks to an integrated approach to hazardous waste management, Beryslav is gradually improving the environmental situation. The introduction of new technologies, increased control over enterprises, and active cooperation with environmental organizations contribute to reducing the level of environmental pollution. However, to achieve sustainable results, it is necessary to expand the infrastructure for the collection and processing of hazardous materials, as well as strengthen environmental control at all levels.