Tretman otpada u Republici Srbiji

Abstract

Waste management is a universal topic that applies to every living being on the planet. Decision makers create policies that affect everyday issues such as health, cleanliness, food and water, the environment in which we live. Poor waste management leads to the contamination of rivers, soil, air, and thus leads to infections, respiratory infections, cancer, heart and blood vessel diseases, and causes harm to animals that consume waste substances. Poor waste management also affects the economy, the exploitation of natural raw materials, tourism. For these reasons, it is necessary to initiate urgent actions and increase the awareness of individuals and society as a whole through education and understanding. Inadequately disposed of waste creates emissions of greenhouse gases. Also emitted into the atmosphere are hexavalent chlorine, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, furans, powdered substances and thousands of other chemicals that are carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic. Industrial waste management requires much more engagement because such waste also contains more substances that negatively affect the environment. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the amount of waste generated in Serbia and the capacities of the country to treat this waste is necessary. Also needed are changes in legislation which would benefit both citizens and industry, the strengthening of administrative capacities within the waste management system and information sharing.