Hazardous waste management in the city of Zbarazh, Ternopil region

Hazardous waste management in the city of Zbarazh, Ternopil region is an important environmental task, since improper handling of toxic substances can lead to environmental pollution. The city has industrial and agricultural enterprises that generate significant amounts of hazardous waste, so their control is critically important.

Hazardous waste management includes their collection, sorting, transportation and further processing. Zbarazh has specialized collection points for batteries, fluorescent lamps, electronic devices and chemical reagents. However, due to the insufficient number of such facilities, part of the hazardous waste ends up in general garbage containers, which poses a risk to the environment.

Environmental maintenance of enterprises plays a significant role in reducing environmental pollution. Zbarazh is home to woodworking, food and light industry enterprises that produce hazardous substances, including chemical compounds, petroleum products and pharmaceutical residues. In 2023, environmental services conducted 14 inspections, revealing violations in the handling of toxic materials.

Hazardous waste is stored at specialized landfills that meet environmental standards. However, the capacity of these storage facilities is limited, and due to the increase in the number of toxic materials, there is a need to expand the environmental infrastructure. The most problematic are residues of agrochemicals and industrial sludge, which can penetrate groundwater.

Transportation of hazardous waste from the city is regulated by environmental standards and is carried out by certified companies. In 2023, more than 28 tons of toxic materials were transported to specialized enterprises in Ternopil and neighboring regions. The use of sealed containers prevents possible leaks and environmental pollution.

Hazardous waste recycling is an important area of ​​Zbarazh's environmental policy. Due to the lack of specialized enterprises in the city, most toxic materials are transported to other regions. In 2023, more than 20 tons of batteries, electronic components, and chemical reagents were transferred for recycling. The city authorities are working to attract investments to create a local hazardous materials recycling center.

Public awareness of the problem of hazardous waste management needs to be improved. According to surveys, only 40% of residents know about specialized collection points for toxic materials. In 2023, 11 environmental events were held aimed at increasing the level of environmental responsibility of the population. However, it is necessary to expand information campaigns and involve public organizations in educational work.

Local authorities actively cooperate with environmental organizations and government agencies to improve the hazardous waste management system. In 2023, the city received funding in the amount of 1.5 million hryvnias for the development of the infrastructure for the collection and transportation of toxic materials. As part of this project, it is planned to introduce mobile collection points and modernize specialized transport.

Preventing illegal handling of hazardous waste is one of the key tasks for the city. In 2023, 9 cases of illegal dumping of toxic substances were recorded in forest belts and on the outskirts of Zbarazh. To combat this phenomenon, the authorities plan to introduce a video surveillance system in problem areas, as well as increase penalties for violating environmental regulations.

An integrated approach to hazardous waste management allows Zbarazh to improve the environmental situation and minimize the level of pollution. The introduction of modern methods of collection, transportation, storage and processing of toxic materials contributes to the preservation of natural resources and an increase in the level of environmental safety. However, for the further development of this area, it is necessary to expand environmental infrastructure, attract more investment, and strengthen control over industrial enterprises.