Hazardous waste management in the city of Seredyna-Buda, Sumy region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Seredyna-Buda, Sumy region is an important component of the region's environmental safety. Due to the specifics of the city's economic activity, which includes industrial production, agriculture and the medical sector, a significant amount of hazardous substances accumulates every year. Their proper treatment is a key factor in preserving the environment and the health of residents.

Hazardous waste management requires compliance with environmental standards and the use of modern collection and sorting methods. The city has specialized collection points for batteries, mercury lamps and electronic components. However, low awareness among the population and an insufficient number of collection points lead to the fact that some toxic materials end up in general garbage containers, which increases the risk of environmental pollution.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises plays an important role in minimizing the harmful effects of industrial waste. The city is home to woodworking, food and construction industries that generate significant amounts of toxic materials. In 2023, 11 inspections were conducted, during which violations were detected regarding the storage of chemicals and industrial sludge.

Hazardous waste in Seredyn-Buda is stored at specialized sites that meet environmental standards. However, given the increasing amount of toxic materials, it is necessary to expand the infrastructure for their temporary placement. The greatest environmental risk is posed by agrochemical residues, pharmaceuticals and industrial lubricants that can penetrate aquifers.

Transportation of hazardous waste from Seredyn-Buda is carried out in accordance with current legislation. In 2023, more than 29 tons of toxic substances were transported to specialized enterprises engaged in their further processing. The use of certified transport with sealed containers minimizes the risks of leakage of toxic materials during transportation.

Recycling hazardous waste is an important step to reduce the negative impact on the environment. The city does not have specialized enterprises for the recycling of toxic substances, so a significant part of the waste is transported to other regions. In 2023, more than 22 tons of batteries, electronic components and chemical reagents were transferred for recycling. The city authorities are considering attracting investors to create a local waste recycling center.

Public awareness of the problem of hazardous waste management remains insufficient. Only 40% of residents know about specialized collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 9 educational events were held in Seredyn-Buda aimed at increasing the level of environmental responsibility of the population. However, it is necessary to expand the information campaign and create more opportunities for the safe disposal of hazardous substances.

Local authorities are actively cooperating with environmental organizations and international funds to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, the city received funding in the amount of 1.6 million hryvnias for the development of the infrastructure for the collection, transportation and processing of toxic materials. It is planned to modernize existing landfills and introduce mobile collection points for hazardous substances.

Preventing the illegal handling of hazardous waste is an important task for city environmental services. In 2023, 8 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances were detected in forest belts and on the outskirts of the city. To combat this phenomenon, it is planned to install video surveillance cameras in problem areas, as well as increase penalties for violators of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Seredyna-Buda to gradually 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, to achieve sustainable results, it is necessary to expand environmental infrastructure, attract more investment, and increase the level of control over compliance with environmental standards.