Hazardous waste management in the city of Kakhovka, Kherson region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Kakhovka, Kherson region is an important environmental task, as the city is an industrial and agricultural center of the region. A significant amount of waste is generated as a result of the activities of agricultural enterprises, industrial facilities and the residential sector. Inefficient management of hazardous materials can cause serious environmental pollution, especially water resources, in particular the Dnieper River.

Hazardous waste management includes its collection, sorting, transportation and further processing or storage. There are several specialized collection points in Kakhovka where residents can hand in batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronic equipment and used lubricants. However, studies show that a significant part of hazardous materials ends up in general waste, which poses a threat to the environment.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises plays a key role in minimizing the volume of hazardous waste. In Kakhovka, there are enterprises in the agro-processing, machine-building and chemical industries that generate a large amount of waste, including residues of chemicals, petroleum products and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, 25 environmental inspections were conducted, which revealed violations in the field of hazardous waste management at a third of the enterprises.

Hazardous waste is stored in the city at specialized sites, but their capacity is limited. The most critical situations are with the storage of agrochemicals and industrial waste that can pollute soil and water. The Kakhovka authorities are considering the possibility of building a new storage facility for long-term safe storage of toxic substances.

Hazardous waste is transported in compliance with national environmental standards. In 2023, more than 70 transportations of hazardous substances from Kakhovka to specialized enterprises in neighboring regions were registered. Certified vehicles equipped with systems for the safe transportation of toxic substances are used for transportation.

Hazardous waste recycling is an important element of the city's environmental policy. Currently, Kakhovka cooperates with enterprises specializing in the recycling of batteries, chemical waste and electronic components. In 2023, more than 30 tons of hazardous materials were sent for recycling, which allowed to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Public awareness of the rules for handling hazardous waste remains at an insufficient level. According to the survey results, only 40% of residents know where to drop off hazardous materials. In 2023, the city held 15 educational events aimed at promoting environmental responsibility.

Local authorities cooperate with state and international organizations to improve hazardous waste management. In 2023, Kakhovka received funding of 2 million hryvnias for the implementation of a project to create mobile collection points for hazardous substances. It is expected that this will increase the volume of collected and safely processed waste.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste is one of the city's top priorities. In 2023, 12 illegal toxic dumps were identified and eliminated. To combat this problem, Kakhovka plans to implement a video surveillance system at hazardous materials collection and storage sites.

Thanks to an integrated approach to hazardous waste management, Kakhovka is gradually improving its environmental situation. The introduction of modern methods of collection, storage, transportation, and processing of hazardous materials helps reduce pollution and create safe conditions for residents. However, for the further development of this area, it is necessary to strengthen control over industrial waste and expand the infrastructure for processing toxic substances.