Hazardous waste management in the city of Kodyma, Odessa region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Kodyma, Odessa region is a pressing problem that requires a systematic approach. The development of industry, agriculture and the household sector leads to the accumulation of significant volumes of toxic materials. The lack of effective collection and processing methods can cause environmental problems that threaten the health of the population.

Hazardous waste management includes their identification, sorting, storage and further processing. There are collection points for batteries, mercury lamps and medical waste in Kodyma, but their number is insufficient. Some hazardous materials end up in general waste, which poses a threat to soil and water resources.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises is aimed at controlling the activities of industrial facilities, which are the main sources of toxic waste. The city has food and agricultural industries that use chemical reagents and fertilizers. In 2023, 8 inspections were conducted, during which violations were identified in the field of handling chemicals and used lubricants.

Hazardous waste storage in Kodima is carried out in specially designated areas with limited throughput. The greatest threat is posed by agrochemicals, pharmaceutical residues and industrial reagents. In this regard, local authorities are considering the possibility of creating additional storage facilities and implementing modern technologies for isolating toxic substances.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out by certified companies that have the appropriate equipment and permits. In 2023, more than 15 tons of toxic materials were transported from Kodima to specialized enterprises. Compliance with transportation standards helps prevent accidental spills of chemicals and their penetration into the environment.

Hazardous waste processing remains one of the main problems in the city, since Kodima does not have its own facilities for processing toxic materials. Most of the waste is sent for recycling to other regions, which requires significant financial costs. In 2023, more than 12 tons of batteries, chemical reagents and electronic equipment were transferred for recycling.

Public awareness of the environmental risks associated with hazardous waste remains at an insufficient level. Only 34% of residents are aware of the existence of special collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 6 information events were held in Kodim aimed at increasing the level of environmental culture among the population.

Local authorities are actively working to improve the hazardous waste management system and attract investments to modernize the infrastructure. In 2023, the city received funding in the amount of 1 million hryvnias for the development of a system for the collection, transportation and safe storage of toxic materials. It is planned to create new mobile collection points for hazardous waste.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste is one of the priorities of the city authorities. In 2023, 4 cases of illegal dumping of toxic materials in forest and agricultural areas were recorded. The authorities plan to install video surveillance in problem areas and increase penalties for enterprises that violate environmental regulations.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Kodyma to gradually improve the ecological situation and reduce the level of environmental pollution. The introduction of modern methods of collecting, transporting, storing and processing toxic materials will contribute to the ecological safety of the city and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.