Hazardous waste management in the city of Pidhaitsi, Ternopil region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Pidhaitsi, Ternopil region is one of the key environmental tasks for ensuring environmental safety. Despite the small size of the city, industrial, agricultural and medical activities contribute to the formation of hazardous waste, which requires proper organization of collection, transportation and processing. Without proper control, they can harm the environment and the health of residents.

Hazardous waste management in the city includes measures for their collection, sorting and safe storage. Several specialized collection points for used batteries, fluorescent lamps and electronic devices operate in Pidhaitsi. However, due to the lack of a wide information campaign, a significant part of the population is unaware of the possibility of safe disposal of such waste, which leads to its disposal in general garbage containers.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises plays an important role in minimizing the impact of industrial waste on the environment. In 2023, 10 environmental inspections were conducted in the city at enterprises operating in the food and construction industries. The identified shortcomings in the storage of toxic substances indicate the need to strengthen environmental control and increase the responsibility of entrepreneurs for safe waste management.

Hazardous waste storage in Pidhaitsy is carried out in accordance with environmental standards at special landfills. However, the increase in the number of toxic substances requires additional measures to expand the capabilities of local storage facilities. The greatest threat is posed by residues of chemical fertilizers and pharmaceuticals, which can enter aquifers and affect the quality of drinking water.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out by licensed carriers who are responsible for their safe transportation to processing plants. In 2023, more than 25 tons of hazardous materials were removed from the city, including waste oils, batteries, and pharmaceutical residues. To minimize environmental risks, specialized transport is used that ensures sealed transportation of hazardous substances.

Hazardous waste recycling is an important stage of environmental management in the city. Since Pidhaitsy does not have its own enterprise for the recycling of toxic materials, all hazardous substances are transported to neighboring regions. In 2023, more than 18 tons of waste were transferred for recycling, including electronic components, batteries, and petroleum products. The city authorities are considering attracting investment to create a local enterprise for the processing of toxic materials.

Public awareness of the rules for handling hazardous waste remains at an insufficient level. According to surveys, only 35% of residents are aware of the need for separate collection of toxic materials. In 2023, 9 information events were organized to raise environmental awareness among the population. However, it is necessary to expand educational activities, especially among young people and entrepreneurs.

The local authorities are actively cooperating with environmental organizations to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, the city received a grant of 1.2 million hryvnias to modernize the system for collecting and transporting toxic materials. As part of this funding, it is planned to expand the network of mobile collection points and introduce an electronic hazardous waste accounting system.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste is one of the main tasks for Pidhaitsy. In 2023, environmental services identified 6 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances in places not designated for this. To combat this phenomenon, the city authorities plan to introduce a video surveillance system in problem areas and increase fines for violating environmental standards.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Pidhaitsy to gradually improve the environmental situation. The introduction of new technologies for the collection, transportation, storage, and processing of toxic materials contributes to reducing environmental pollution. However, for further development of this area, it is necessary to expand the environmental infrastructure, increase the responsibility of enterprises, and more actively involve the public in environmental initiatives.