Hazardous waste management in the city of Rivne

Hazardous waste management in the city of Rivne is an important aspect of the region's environmental safety. Given the development of industry, transport and the service sector, a significant amount of toxic materials accumulates in the city every year, which require proper control. The state of the environment and the quality of life of residents depend on the effective operation of the hazardous substances management system.

Hazardous waste management includes their collection, sorting, transportation and processing. Rivne has special collection points for batteries, mercury lamps, pharmaceutical waste and used electronics. However, some hazardous substances continue to end up in general garbage containers, which increases the risk of soil and groundwater contamination.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises contributes to the reduction of industrial pollution. The city is home to enterprises in the mechanical engineering, chemical industry, woodworking and agricultural sectors, which generate significant amounts of toxic substances. In 2023, 20 environmental inspections were conducted, as a result of which violations were identified regarding the storage of hazardous materials at industrial facilities.

Hazardous waste storage in Rivne is carried out at specialized facilities that meet environmental standards. However, the limited area of ​​​​such landfills does not allow for effective control of all toxic substances. The greatest danger is posed by industrial sludge, oil product residues and pharmaceutical components, which can penetrate aquifers and harm the environment.

Transportation of hazardous waste from Rivne is carried out by certified companies with specialized transport. In 2023, more than 50 tons of toxic materials were transported from the city to enterprises engaged in their further processing. The use of modern packaging technologies and sealed containers prevents the spillage of harmful substances during transportation.

Recycling of hazardous waste remains an important direction of the city's environmental policy. The lack of specialized enterprises in Rivne forces the majority of toxic materials to be sent to other regions. In 2023, more than 35 tons of batteries, electronic components, and chemical reagents were sent for recycling. The authorities are considering the possibility of creating a complex for the recycling of hazardous substances in the city.

Public awareness of environmental problems remains at an insufficient level. Only 48% of residents know about existing collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 16 information events were held in Rivne aimed at increasing the level of environmental responsibility of citizens. To improve the situation, it is necessary to implement additional educational programs and expand the network of hazardous waste collection points.

Local authorities are actively working to improve the hazardous waste management system in cooperation with environmental services and international organizations. In 2023, Rivne received 3 million hryvnias for the development of infrastructure for the collection, transportation, and recycling of toxic materials. It is planned to modernize existing landfills and introduce mobile collection points.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains a pressing task. In 2023, 14 cases of illegal dumping of toxic materials in forest belts and industrial areas were recorded. To combat this phenomenon, local authorities plan to install a video surveillance system in critical areas and increase penalties for violators of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Rivne to gradually improve the environmental situation. The introduction of modern methods of collection, transportation, storage and processing of toxic materials contributes to a reduction in the level of environmental pollution. However, to achieve long-term results, it is necessary to attract more investment, expand environmental infrastructure and increase the level of control over compliance with environmental standards.