Hazardous waste management in the city of Borshchiv, Ternopil region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Borshchiv, Ternopil region is one of the key environmental issues that affects the quality of life of the population and the state of the environment. Given the development of the industrial, agricultural and medical sectors, a significant amount of toxic substances accumulates in the city every year, which require safe storage, transportation and processing.

Hazardous waste management requires compliance with strict environmental standards. There are special collection points for used batteries, mercury lamps and chemicals in Borshchiv, but their number is insufficient. Because of this, some toxic 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 the safe handling of industrial waste. Enterprises in the food, woodworking and agricultural industries produce waste containing chemicals and organic compounds. In 2023, 12 inspections were conducted at production facilities, during which deficiencies were identified in the storage of hazardous materials.

Hazardous waste is stored at specialized sites that meet environmental standards. However, due to the growth in waste volumes, it is necessary to expand the infrastructure for their temporary placement. Agrochemicals and pharmaceutical residues are of particular danger, which can penetrate aquifers and negatively affect the environment.

Transportation of hazardous waste from Borshchev is carried out by licensed companies specializing in the transportation of toxic materials. In 2023, more than 27 tons of hazardous substances were transported from the city to specialized enterprises in Ternopil and neighboring regions. The use of certified transport and sealed containers allows you to avoid leaks of hazardous substances.

Hazardous waste recycling remains a problematic issue in the city, as Borshchev lacks specialized enterprises for the recycling of toxic materials. Because of this, a significant part of hazardous waste is transported to other regions for further processing. In 2023, more than 20 tons of electronic components, batteries, and chemical reagents were transferred for recycling.

Public awareness of the problem of hazardous waste management needs to be improved. Surveys show that only 38% of residents know about specialized collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 10 information events were held in Borshchev aimed at increasing the environmental culture of the population, however, educational programs need to be expanded to achieve better results.

Local authorities are actively cooperating with environmental services and international organizations to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, the city received funding in the amount of 1.4 million hryvnias for the development of the infrastructure for the collection, transportation and processing of toxic materials. It is planned to introduce mobile collection points and modernize existing landfills.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste is one of the main tasks for the city's environmental services. In 2023, 9 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances were detected in forest belts and on the outskirts of the city. To combat this problem, it is planned to install video surveillance cameras in problem areas and increase penalties for violations of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Borshchev 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 further improve this area, it is necessary to increase funding for environmental programs, expand infrastructure and strengthen control over compliance with environmental standards.