Hazardous waste management in the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi is an important component of the region's environmental policy. According to official data, more than 150 tons of hazardous waste accumulates in the city annually, including used batteries, fluorescent lamps, used lubricants, medical waste and industrial residues. The lack of a proper system for controlling harmful substances can lead to pollution of water resources, in particular the Smotrych River, which is one of the main water arteries of the region.

Hazardous waste management includes its collection, sorting, transportation and further processing or disposal. Kamianets-Podilskyi has specialized collection points for used batteries, medical products and electronics, but so far they do not cover all the needs of the population. Studies show that only 40% of city residents are aware of the need to properly handle hazardous materials, which indicates the need to strengthen information work.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises in the city is regulated by local environmental programs. Several large manufacturing enterprises operate in Kamianets-Podilskyi, including cement plants, machine-building companies and food processing enterprises, which generate a significant amount of hazardous waste. Each year, these enterprises generate more than 500 tons of waste that requires special treatment. Regular environmental audits help reduce pollution risks and ensure compliance with international environmental standards.

Storage of hazardous waste in the city is organized in accordance with state standards. Kamianets-Podilskyi has several licensed facilities where waste is stored before its transportation. Particular attention is paid to ensuring the tightness of containers for storing chemically active substances in order to avoid leaks into the soil and groundwater. However, independent inspections show that about 10% of hazardous waste is stored improperly, which requires additional control measures.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out by specialized enterprises that have licenses for the transportation of toxic substances. In 2023, more than 70 transportations of hazardous waste from Kamianets-Podilskyi to specialized facilities in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions were registered. Before transportation, each batch undergoes thorough control and packaging in accordance with international standards. The main problem remains the high cost of transportation, which complicates the process for small businesses.

Recycling of hazardous waste is a promising direction for the city's environmental development. There is only one enterprise operating in the region that recycles electronic waste, which is insufficient to fully cover the city's needs. In 2022, more than 15 tons of electronic waste were collected, of which 70% was successfully recycled. To improve the situation, the city government plans to create a local center for recycling batteries and fluorescent lamps, which will reduce the volume of hazardous waste by 30% in the next five years.

Educational work with the population is an important aspect of Kamianets-Podilskyi's environmental policy. Local environmental initiatives organize lectures and information campaigns aimed at raising awareness among citizens about the need for proper handling of hazardous waste. In 2023, more than 20 events were held, in which more than 1,000 city residents participated. However, surveys show that 60% of residents still do not know where to drop off hazardous waste, which indicates the need for further work in this direction.

Local authorities cooperate with state and international organizations to implement effective mechanisms for managing hazardous waste. In 2023, Kamianets-Podilskyi received a grant of 2 million hryvnias from an international environmental organization to create mobile hazardous waste collection points. This will significantly increase the level of environmental safety and reduce the amount of toxic substances entering the environment.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste is one of the most pressing problems of the city. In 2023, several cases of illegal dumping of hazardous materials in abandoned industrial zones were recorded. To combat such violations, the city authorities plan to implement an electronic monitoring system that will allow detecting illegal dumps and controlling the movement of hazardous waste in real time.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Kamianets-Podilskyi to develop an environmentally responsible policy. Thanks to the involvement of the public, enterprises and government agencies, it is possible to improve the environmental situation and reduce the negative impact of hazardous substances. However, to fully solve the problem, additional investments are needed, modernization of the transportation system