Hazardous waste management in the city of Karlivka, Poltava region

Effective management of hazardous waste in the city of Karlivka, Poltava region is an important aspect of environmental protection and public health. Local enterprises, the agricultural sector and medical institutions annually generate significant volumes of toxic substances that require a clear system of collection, transportation and processing. The introduction of modern technologies and strict control over their use will minimize the negative impact of waste on the ecological state of the region.

Hazardous waste management in Karlivka is carried out through specialized collection points, where residents can leave mercury lamps, batteries and electronic waste. However, due to the insufficient number of such points, a significant part of toxic materials ends up in general waste, which creates risks for the environment. Expanding the hazardous waste collection network is an important task for local authorities.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises in the city is aimed at monitoring compliance with the norms of safe handling of hazardous waste. The main pollutants remain industrial and agricultural enterprises that use agrochemicals, petroleum products and chemical reagents. In 2023, 10 environmental inspections were conducted, the results of which revealed violations of the norms for the storage of hazardous substances.

Hazardous waste storage in Karlivka is carried out at specialized facilities that ensure minimal impact of toxic materials on the environment. However, existing capacities do not cover the needs of the city, which creates the need to modernize and expand the infrastructure. The greatest concern is the remains of industrial reagents that require special storage conditions.

Transportation of hazardous waste from Karlivka is carried out by licensed companies using certified transport. In 2023, more than 28 tons of toxic materials were transported from the city for further processing. Compliance with strict transportation standards prevents spills and leaks of hazardous substances, which could cause environmental disasters.

Hazardous waste recycling remains one of the main challenges of the city's environmental policy. Due to the lack of Karlivka's own enterprises for processing toxic substances, most hazardous materials are sent to other regions. In 2023, more than 19 tons of batteries, chemical reagents and industrial lubricants were transferred for recycling. The city authorities are considering the possibility of creating a hazardous waste recycling plant.

Public awareness of the need for proper handling of hazardous waste remains low. Only 40% of residents are aware of the existence of special collection points. In 2023, 8 educational events were held in Karlivka to increase the environmental culture of the population. However, in order to change the situation for the better, it is necessary to increase the number of information campaigns and training programs.

Local authorities actively cooperate with environmental services and international organizations to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, Karlivka received 1.6 million hryvnias for the modernization of landfills, the creation of mobile collection points and the expansion of environmental monitoring. These measures will help the city better control the management of toxic materials and prevent pollution.

Preventing the illegal handling of hazardous waste is one of the main tasks of the city's environmental policy. In 2023, 7 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances in natural areas were recorded. To combat this phenomenon, the authorities plan to install video surveillance systems in environmentally sensitive areas and increase penalties for violators.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Karlivka to improve the environmental situation. The use of modern technologies for the collection, transportation, storage and processing of toxic materials helps reduce the level of environmental pollution. However, to achieve long-term results, it is necessary to continue expanding the environmental infrastructure, attract more investment and increase control over compliance with environmental standards.