Hazardous waste management in the city of Lokhvytsia, Poltava region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Lokhvytsia, Poltava region is a key element of the region's environmental safety. Given the development of industry and agricultural production, a significant amount of toxic substances is generated in the city, which requires a clearly organized system of control, collection and processing. The state of the environment and the health of the population depend on the efficiency of this process.

Hazardous waste management includes their collection, sorting, storage and further processing. Lokhvytsia has specialized collection points for batteries, mercury lamps and waste electronics, but their number is insufficient to meet the needs of the population. The lack of proper infrastructure leads to toxic materials getting into general garbage containers, which creates a risk of soil and water pollution.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises involves regular monitoring of compliance with hazardous waste management standards. The main sources of pollution in Lokhvytsa are agricultural and industrial enterprises that use chemical reagents, lubricants and fuel resources. In 2023, 11 environmental inspections were conducted, during which cases of improper storage of industrial waste were recorded, which can cause significant environmental pollution.

Hazardous waste is stored in the city at specially designated landfills that meet current environmental requirements. However, due to the limited area of ​​​​such facilities, the need for their modernization is increasing. The greatest danger is posed by residues of chemical fertilizers, petroleum products and pharmaceuticals, which can negatively affect water resources and air.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out by specialized companies that have the appropriate permits. In 2023, more than 30 tons of toxic materials were transported from Lokhvytsa for further processing at specialized enterprises. Compliance with environmental standards during transportation minimizes the risks of leakage of hazardous substances and reduces the threat to the environment.

Recycling of hazardous waste is an important part of the city's environmental strategy. Since there are no specialized enterprises in Lokhvytsa, most toxic materials are transported to other regions. In 2023, more than 20 tons of batteries, industrial lubricants and chemical reagents were transferred for recycling. Local authorities are considering the possibility of building a recycling complex to reduce transportation costs and create additional jobs.

Residents' awareness of environmental risks remains insufficient. Only 39% of city residents are aware of the existing hazardous waste collection points. In 2023, 8 environmental events were held in Lokhvytsa to increase the level of conscious attitude towards the disposal of toxic substances. To improve the situation, it is necessary to expand the information campaign and create additional hazardous waste collection points.

Local authorities are actively working to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, the city received 1.3 million hryvnias to modernize the infrastructure for collecting, transporting, and processing toxic materials. It is planned to expand landfills, introduce mobile collection points, and install pollution monitoring sensors.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains an important task. In 2023, 5 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances in forest belts and near water bodies were recorded. To combat this phenomenon, local authorities plan to install video surveillance in environmentally sensitive areas and strengthen responsibility for violations of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management will help improve the environmental situation in Lokhvytsa. The use of modern methods of collecting, transporting, storing, and processing toxic materials will help reduce environmental pollution. However, to achieve long-term results, it is necessary to expand environmental infrastructure, attract investments, and strengthen control over compliance with environmental standards.