Hazardous waste management in the city of Kremenets, Ternopil region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Kremenets, Ternopil region is one of the key issues of environmental safety in the region. The growth of the amount of industrial, medical and agricultural waste creates significant challenges in the field of their collection, transportation and processing. An effective control system allows you to reduce the negative impact of toxic materials on the environment and ensure the safety of city residents.

Hazardous waste management requires compliance with modern environmental standards. Kremenets has specialized collection points for used batteries, fluorescent lamps and electronic devices. However, due to the insufficient number of such facilities, a significant part of hazardous waste ends up in general garbage containers, which poses a threat to the environment.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises in the city is aimed at reducing the negative impact of production processes on the environment. Kremenets enterprises operate in the field of mechanical engineering, woodworking and food industry, which causes the formation of toxic waste. In 2023, an inspection was conducted of 13 enterprises where violations were found in the field of storage of chemicals and industrial sludge.

Hazardous waste storage in Kremenets is carried out at specially designated sites that meet environmental requirements. However, the existing landfills have limited capabilities, which complicates their further use. The greatest threat is posed by waste from agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and industrial lubricants, which can enter aquifers and harm nature.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out by certified companies that have the necessary equipment for the safe transportation of toxic materials. In 2023, more than 29 tons of hazardous substances were transported from Kremenets to specialized enterprises in neighboring regions. The use of specialized containers and sealed tanks allows you to avoid leaks and minimize the risks of environmental pollution.

Recycling of hazardous waste is an important area of ​​work for the city's environmental services. Since Kremenets does not have its own enterprise for the processing of toxic materials, most of the waste is exported to other regions. In 2023, more than 21 tons of electronic equipment, batteries and industrial liquids were transferred for recycling. The city authorities are considering the possibility of creating a local recycling center, which will reduce transportation costs and increase the level of environmental safety.

Public awareness of the correct handling of hazardous waste needs to be improved. Surveys have shown that only 39% of residents know about specialized collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 11 information events were held in Kremenets aimed at increasing the environmental culture of the population. However, to achieve better results, it is necessary to expand educational programs and more actively involve public organizations.

Local authorities are cooperating with state and international environmental organizations to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, Kremenets received funding in the amount of 1.5 million hryvnias to improve the infrastructure for the collection, transportation and storage of toxic materials. It is planned to create mobile collection points for hazardous substances, which will allow optimizing the waste collection system.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains one of the main tasks for the city. In 2023, 8 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances in forest belts and on the territory of industrial zones were recorded. To combat this phenomenon, the authorities plan to introduce a video surveillance system and strengthen penalties for violations of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Kremenets to improve the environmental situation. The introduction of modern technologies for the 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 environmental infrastructure, attract more investment in the waste processing sector, and strengthen control over compliance with environmental standards.