Hazardous waste management in the city of Shumsk, Ternopil region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Shumsk, Ternopil region is an important area of ​​the region's environmental policy. Hazardous waste generated as a result of industrial, agricultural and domestic activities can cause significant environmental pollution. Effectively solving this problem requires an integrated approach that includes modern methods of collection, transportation and processing of toxic materials.

Hazardous waste management involves their proper collection, sorting, temporary storage and further processing. The city has specialized collection points for used batteries, fluorescent lamps and chemical reagents. However, the low level of awareness among the population about the rules for handling toxic substances contributes to the fact that a significant part of them ends up in general garbage containers.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises in Shumsk is aimed at minimizing the impact of industrial waste on the environment. In 2023, inspections were conducted at 10 local enterprises, including agro-industrial complexes, woodworking plants, and machine-building companies. Violations identified in the field of storage of toxic materials indicate the need to strengthen control and implement modern environmental technologies.

Hazardous waste is stored in specially designated areas that meet environmental standards. However, existing storage facilities have limited capacity and cannot always cope with the growing volumes of toxic substances. The biggest challenge is the storage of agrochemicals, oil product waste, and industrial sludge, which can cause significant damage to water resources and soils.

Transportation of hazardous waste is carried out in accordance with state and international standards. In 2023, more than 20 tons of toxic substances were transported from Shumsk to specialized enterprises in other regions of Ukraine. Certified vehicles equipped with sealed containers are used for transportation, which minimize the risks of spillage of hazardous materials during transportation.

Hazardous waste recycling is an important area of ​​work for the city's environmental services. The lack of local enterprises specializing in the processing of toxic materials forces the transport of a significant portion of hazardous waste to other regions. In 2023, more than 15 tons of electronic components, batteries, and chemical reagents were transferred for recycling. The city authorities are considering the possibility of creating their own hazardous materials processing center.

Public awareness of the problem of hazardous waste remains low. Only 36% of residents are aware of the existence of specialized collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 8 environmental events were held aimed at raising the level of environmental awareness of the population. However, to achieve better results, it is necessary to expand the information campaign and more actively involve public organizations.

Local authorities are cooperating with environmental services to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, Shumsk received funding in the amount of 1.3 million hryvnias to modernize the infrastructure for the collection and transportation of toxic materials. It is planned to expand the network of mobile hazardous waste collection points and implement electronic monitoring to control their movement.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste remains a pressing task. In 2023, the city recorded 7 cases of illegal dumping of toxic materials in forest belts and on the outskirts of the city. To solve this problem, it is planned to introduce a video surveillance system and increase penalties for violations of environmental legislation.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Shumsk to gradually improve the environmental situation. The introduction of new technologies for the collection, transportation, storage and processing of toxic materials contributes to reducing pollution levels and protecting natural resources. However, for the 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.