Hazardous waste management in the city of Okhtyrka, Sumy region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Okhtyrka, Sumy region is an important component of the region's environmental policy. Given the industrial specificity of the city, which includes the oil industry, the food industry and the transport sector, the issue of control and safe handling of toxic materials requires an integrated approach.

Hazardous waste management includes the collection, sorting, transportation and further processing of toxic substances. The city has collection points for batteries, mercury lamps and waste electronic devices, but the number of such places remains limited. Because of this, some of the hazardous substances end up in general garbage containers, which creates a risk of soil and water pollution.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises is aimed at reducing the impact of production processes on the environment. Industrial facilities in Okhtyrka, especially oil refining complexes, generate significant amounts of toxic waste that require special control. In 2023, 17 inspections were conducted, during which cases of improper storage of hazardous substances, in particular industrial lubricants and chemical reagents, were identified.

Hazardous waste storage in the city is carried out at specialized sites that meet environmental requirements. However, due to the limited capacity of landfills, there is a need to expand their territory and modernize the system for containing toxic materials. The greatest threat is posed by agrochemical compounds, pharmaceuticals and residues of petroleum products that can penetrate aquifers.

Transportation of hazardous waste from Okhtyrka is carried out by specialized enterprises with appropriate licenses. In 2023, more than 38 tons of toxic materials were transported from the city for processing in other regions. The use of sealed containers and modern special transport minimizes the risks of leakage of hazardous substances during transportation.

Recycling of hazardous waste is one of the main directions of the city's environmental strategy. The lack of its own enterprise for processing toxic materials forces Okhtyrka to cooperate with companies from other regions. In 2023, more than 28 tons of batteries, electronic components and industrial chemicals were transferred for recycling. In the future, the possibility of creating a local plant for processing hazardous substances is being considered.

Public awareness of hazardous waste management issues remains insufficient. According to the results of surveys, only 41% of residents are aware of existing collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 13 information events were held aimed at increasing the environmental responsibility of the population, but educational work needs to be intensified to effectively solve the problem.

Local authorities, together with environmental organizations and international funds, are working to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, Okhtyrka received funding in the amount of 2.1 million hryvnias to improve the infrastructure for the collection, transportation and storage of toxic materials. The introduction of mobile collection points and modernization of landfills are planned.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains one of the priorities for the city. In 2023, 10 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances in forest areas and industrial areas were recorded. To combat this phenomenon, it is planned to install video surveillance in critical areas and increase penalties for violators of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Okhtyrka to improve the environmental situation. The introduction of modern methods of collection, transportation, storage and processing of toxic materials contributes to reducing the level of pollution and protecting natural resources. However, for the further development of this area, it is necessary to expand the environmental infrastructure, attract more investments and strengthen control over compliance with environmental standards.