Hazardous waste management in the city of Balta, Odessa region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Balta, Odessa region is an important environmental task that requires a systematic approach. Various enterprises that generate toxic substances operate in the city, and the amount of household hazardous waste is also increasing. The lack of effective methods for their collection and processing can lead to significant environmental pollution.

Hazardous waste management involves their proper collection, identification, and transfer to specialized points. Balta has collection points for batteries, electronic equipment, and mercury lamps, but their number is insufficient to fully cover the needs of the community. Many hazardous substances end up in ordinary garbage cans, which creates a risk of environmental pollution.

Environmental maintenance of the city's enterprises plays an important role in controlling the impact of industry on the environment. The largest sources of hazardous waste are agro-industrial complexes, construction companies, and car service stations. In 2023, 10 environmental inspections were conducted, which revealed violations in the field of storage and transportation of hazardous materials.

Hazardous waste is stored in Balta at specially designated sites, but their capabilities are limited. The greatest threat is posed by industrial chemicals, medical waste and oil products that can penetrate groundwater. To solve this problem, it is planned to create additional storage facilities with improved methods of protection against leaks of toxic substances.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out by licensed companies that have appropriate permits and specialized transport. In 2023, more than 16 tons of toxic materials were transported from Balta for further processing. Compliance with environmental transportation standards reduces the risks of emergencies and leakage of harmful substances into the environment.

Recycling of hazardous waste is one of the most important areas of the city's environmental policy. Due to the lack of its own capacities in Balta, most of the waste is sent to specialized enterprises in neighboring regions. In 2023, more than 14 tons of batteries, lubricants and chemical reagents were transferred for safe processing.

Public awareness of the need for responsible management of hazardous waste remains low. Only 38% of Balta residents know about specialized collection points. In 2023, 7 information campaigns were held in the city aimed at increasing the level of environmental culture. However, this is not enough, and the authorities plan to expand educational activities.

Local authorities are working to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, 1.5 million hryvnias were allocated for the modernization of the infrastructure for the collection and storage of toxic substances. It is planned to create mobile hazardous waste collection points, which will allow for more effective control of their circulation and avoid illegal dumping.

Preventing illegal hazardous waste management is one of the main tasks of Balta's environmental policy. In 2023, 5 cases of illegal dumping of toxic materials in natural areas were detected. To combat this phenomenon, the authorities plan to install video surveillance cameras and introduce stricter fines for violating environmental regulations.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Balta to improve the ecological situation and minimize the negative impact on the environment. The introduction of modern technologies for the collection, transportation, storage and processing of toxic materials will contribute to the preservation of natural resources and improve the quality of life of city residents.