Integrated Waste Management in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

AbstractThe research work is a documentary study on the generation and management of waste in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Waste, the end result of anthropic activities, is a growing problem for environmental protection. Several types of waste are generated in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. These include household waste, floating waste, agricultural and food waste, medical waste, etc. The quantities of household waste (a significant share of the total amount of waste) are monitored according to Government Decision no. 856 of August 16, 2002, on the records of waste management. Current waste collection, transportation and storage practices are not entirely appropriate. This generates a negative, sometimes significant impact on the environmental factors manifested in the reserve. Therefore, waste management requires the adoption of specific measures regarding the waste recovery and disposal in the area and beyond. The trends regarding waste management are focused on actions of prevention, recycling, reuse and recovery. These actions should lead to limiting the quantities of waste disposed of for storage, by selective collection; limiting the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; maximizing the rational and efficient use of natural resources. This research work refers, in particular, to the management of municipal waste within the territory of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR).KeywordsWaste managementRecoveryDisposalEnvironmental protectionReserve