Hazardous waste management in the city of Sarny, Rivne region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Sarny, Rivne region is an important part of the region's environmental safety. Given the industrial development of the city and the growth in the number of hazardous materials in everyday life, it is necessary to ensure effective control over the collection, transportation and processing of toxic substances. The introduction of modern environmental practices will help minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Hazardous waste management requires a systematic approach, including timely collection, sorting and further processing. There are specialized collection points for used batteries, fluorescent lamps and medical waste in Sarny, but their number is insufficient. Some hazardous materials end up in general garbage containers, which creates a risk of soil and water pollution.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises in the city involves monitoring compliance with toxic substance handling standards. The main sources of hazardous waste are woodworking, construction and transport companies, as well as medical institutions. In 2023, environmental inspectors found 12 cases of violations of the rules for storing industrial lubricants and chemical reagents, which indicates the need to strengthen control.

Hazardous waste storage in Sarny is carried out at special sites that meet environmental requirements. However, due to the increase in the volume of toxic substances, there is a need to expand such facilities. The greatest threat is posed by petroleum products, pharmaceutical waste and agrochemicals, which can penetrate aquifers and harm the health of the population.

Hazardous waste is transported using specialized transport equipped in accordance with safety standards. In 2023, more than 29 tons of toxic materials were removed from the city for further processing. The use of sealed containers minimizes the risk of leakage of harmful substances during transportation and ensures their safe transportation.

Hazardous waste recycling remains a priority for the city's environmental policy. Due to the lack of specialized enterprises in Sarny, most toxic materials are transported to other regions. In 2023, more than 25 tons of batteries, industrial lubricants, and chemical reagents were transferred for recycling. The city authorities are considering the possibility of building a local hazardous waste recycling enterprise.

Raising public awareness of the rules for handling hazardous waste is an important task. Only 46% of residents are aware of existing toxic materials collection points. In 2023, 10 information events were held in Sarny aimed at environmental education of the population. To improve the situation, it is necessary to expand the information campaign and increase the number of hazardous waste collection points.

The local authorities are actively working to improve the hazardous waste management system in cooperation with environmental services and international organizations. In 2023, the city received 1.9 million hryvnias for the modernization of facilities for the collection, transportation and processing of toxic materials. It is planned to expand landfills and introduce mobile collection points for hazardous substances.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains one of the main tasks of the city. In 2023, 9 cases of illegal dumping of toxic materials in forest belts and industrial areas were recorded. To combat this phenomenon, it is planned to install video surveillance cameras in critical areas and increase penalties for violators of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Sarny to gradually improve the environmental situation. The introduction of modern methods of 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 the development of environmental infrastructure, attract more investment and improve the environmental control system.