National Waste Management Strategy Research Articles

Pathways to zero plastic waste landfill: Progress toward plastic circularity in South Africa

AbstractThe accumulation of waste in landfill is currently a challenge globally and in South Africa. The primary motivation of this research was to contribute to identifying and evaluating pathways for diverting plastic waste from landfill and advancing the plastics circular economy. This study assessed, for South Africa, key measures implemented by selected countries to promote recycling in order to divert waste from the landfill. The National Waste Management Strategy of 2020 for South Africa mandates successive waste reduction targets toward zero waste landfill by 2050. Material flow analysis (MFA) was extended from previous studies and used to map plastic flows over three successive intervals to assess progress made toward diversion of plastic waste from landfill. The percentage of plastic materials sent to landfill for South Africa were 74%, 78%, and 39% in 2017, 2019, and 2021, respectively. Potential pathways were identified as strategies for the South African to accelerate the reduction of plastic waste to landfill. These were modeled as single and as combined actions, through sensitivity analysis on the MFA‐derived Sankey diagram and used to assess their impact on waste to landfill reduction. The scenario analysis highlighted improved waste collection and waste sorting as key measures and enablers that should be developed and a priority for reduction of plastic waste to landfill before the 2050 target year. The paper presents a new generic approach that combines MFA, Sankey diagrams, and scenario analysis to explore and evaluate solution spaces for transition to a circular economy.

The Importance of Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling in Romania: Aligning with the Green Deal and Fit for 55 Strategies

Abstract Romania’s flourishing solar energy sector necessitates responsible management of photovoltaic (PV) panel waste. The research examines at the current level of PV panel recycling and anticipates future production of waste. By examining data on solar production capacity and panel characteristics, the study forecasts a significant rise in PV waste. Supportive legislation and rising environmental consciousness have contributed to increased PV installations, but regulating the waste produced is essential. The analysis predicts a jump in trash volume, reaching at least 32,892 tons by 2033, a stunning 2336% increase over 2024–2032. This represents an exceptional chance for Romania to become a European leader in PV panel recycling. Romania could establish an innovative industry, acquire recycled materials for new panels, and encourage a circular solar energy economy if it optimizes its waste management. Together with EU policies to promote the use of recycled materials in the production process of new panels, a national PV waste management strategy needs to be developed, with collaboration between government, industry and environmental organizations. This paper provides significant insights for participants in Romania’s solar energy market. By identifying the challenges as well as opportunities relating to PV waste management, interested parties could collaborate proactively to build an economically viable future for solar energy in Romania.

Biodegradable Waste Management in Georgia: Problems of the Composting System Introduction

Biodegradable waste management and, in particular, the introduction and implementation of composting systems are among the major problems for Georgia. An increase in the volume of municipal waste has been recorded in the country; therefore, the volume of generated biodegradable waste is also increasing. In accordance with the National Waste Management Strategy 2016-2030 of Georgia, the municipal waste generated in 2021 amounted to 1,104,952 tons. It is worth noting that the largest part of municipal waste is organic waste - 54.7%, while plastic waste is 13.8%, paper and cardboard - 10.6%, textiles - 4.1%, and other wastes. According to various studies, by 2030, waste generation is expected to increase from 0.6% to 1.2% annually, which should be the cause of significant challenges for national and local authorities, especially local municipalities, whose duties include municipal waste collection and transportation as well as the implementation of separate waste collection systems. Biodegradable waste management, including various composting systems, is of particular importance.The study shows that composting, as one of the best approaches for recycling biodegradable waste, is still not properly developed in Georgia. It is possible to name only a few successful experiences. Noteworthy among them is the Kutaisi Composting Center, which was established within the framework of the EU JOP “Black Sea Basin” in Kutaisi, Georgia. The Composting Center is designed for windrow composting of green waste (tree branches, leaves, grass). Its productivity is 2000 tons of compost annually. This Composting Center is one of the first in Georgia. It can bring very tangible benefits. In particular, the amount of municipal waste going to landfill sites was reduced by approximately 10%; the expenditures of the municipalities connected to the maintenance of green facilities (received compost is used) and so on have been reduced.Among the biodegradable waste composting approaches, it is recommended to use systems such as:Centralized composting,Community composting,Home (individual) composting.A centralized composting method can be used in municipalities where a large amount of biodegradable waste is generated. It is especially favorable in regions where the agricultural sector is developed and large amounts of green waste are generated. The Kutaisi Composting Center is a good example of the centralized composting system. As experience shows, such large-scale composting is particularly effective for green waste composting.It is promising for Georgia to introduce community composting approaches that offer an optimal scheme for communities to get the maximum benefits of their potential.Composting is an approach used in the field of biodegradable waste management that has the greatest potential in Georgia and can make a significant contribution to both economic development and the protection of the social and natural environment.

IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS IN THE PROCESS OF FORMING AN EFFECTIVE REGIONAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN UKRAINE

Introduction. Attention is focused on the activation of the waste processing process, the technical equipment of the functional elements of the regional waste management system, the use of foreign experience in the implementation of recycling capacities, which will make it possible to specify goals in the implementation of innovative tasks in this field. The reasons that led to the low level of development of the domestic sphere of waste management are singled out: ineffective environmental policy, insufficient financing of relevant measures, neglect of environmental requirements, lack of practical steps in the development of infrastructure of a utilization nature. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the article is to identify problems that occur in the process of forming a regional waste management system in Ukraine, which prevent the achievement of real results in the context of sustainable development of regions. In order to achieve the set goal, the task of determining: a) problems that occurred before the full-scale war of 2022 was solved; b) problems that were added in the conditions of martial law. Results. It is emphasized that the formation of an effective waste management system is an important component of qualitative changes (sustainable development) in the regions of Ukraine in the context of its European integration aspirations. The region was considered in the context of obligations to eliminate existing problems in the field of waste management and practical implementation of tasks defined in regional waste management plans. A number of problems that occur in the field of waste management at the regional level are highlighted. The legislative provision of the waste management system and its influence on the achievement of expected results in this field are analyzed. The capabilities of local authorities in developing infrastructure for waste processing are substantiated. The treatment of waste in the conditions of martial law was studied. It was determined that within the limits of particularly dangerous territories there is a need to focus on the management of waste from destruction, on relatively safe ones - on household waste. The problems associated with the functioning of existing waste processing facilities due to the crisis situation in energy supply are singled out. Conclusions. It is noted that the identified problems are issues that need to be resolved, as threats arise behind them; these are tasks that should be solved in the context of the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine until 2030 with the aim of forming/developing the waste management system; these are the goals that must be resolved in the context of sustainable development and the development of a cyclical economy.

Exploring the conflicting ideals of ecological modernisation and environmental justice in South Africa: Evidence from the 2020 National Waste Management Strategy

ABSTRACT This article explores the impact of the shift towards neoliberalism on environmental management in post-1994 South Africa. The adoption of ecological modernisation as a policy strategy for sustainable development is examined, focusing on the reliance on market mechanisms. However, a lack of balance between the environment, society, and the economy is observed, as socio-economic and environmental concerns are often compromised for economic growth concerns. The resulting technocratic and bureaucratic approach to environmental governance is thus disconnected from the realities on the ground, indicating weak ecological modernisation. This study specifically assesses the implementation of ecological modernisation in waste management initiatives and emphasises the importance of policy implementation. The findings underscore the need for greater attention to policy imperatives to achieve a more effective, just and sustainable approach to waste management in South Africa.

Tools for the Involvement of Construction and Demolition Waste in the Repeated Production Cycle

Purpose. This paper aims to analyze and classify construction and demolition waste. It is necessary that this classification not only reflects statistical data on waste generation, but also serves as an information basis for the integrated waste management system (IWMS). The main task of this system is to maximize the involvement of waste in economic recycling and to objectively reflect the technological capabilities of its processing. This is extremely important in the context of the implementation of European waste management principles and the implementation of the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine until 2030. Methodology. The article considers the problems of construction waste management within the framework of the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine until 2030, which provides for the implementation of measures and principles of waste management, including construction waste. The author analyzes the management problems in the field of construction and demolition waste, which substantiates the need to classify construction waste with the simultaneous harmonization of processing methods and technologies. Construction activities are inextricably linked to the management of various types of resources, among which secondary materials play a key role in the implementation of construction processes. The ability to effectively manage the flows of these secondary resources is critical to ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of construction production. In this context, the study of the importance of managing the flows of secondary resources becomes an integral part of strategies for optimizing construction processes. Findings. Construction waste from the demolition of buildings and structures is unique due to its size and the need to prepare it for primary crushing. This is especially true in the context of implementing the concept of renovation of the outdated housing stock. Various static and dynamic methods of destruction of building materials, in particular, impact and vibration, have been investigated, with dynamic methods being characterized by lower energy consumption. Originality. The work reflects the formation of theoretical and methodological directions based on the use of recycled materials in construction, as well as a comparative characterization of various methods of destruction of building materials. Practical value. The possibilities of recycling construction waste, in particular, their maximum involvement in recycling, which meets the goals of the Strategy of Ukraine, provides 50% of waste recycling.

MANAGEMENT OF METAL SCRAP AND METAL WASTE FOR THE TRANSITION TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND THE RECOVERY OF UKRAINE

In the modern world, the production of metal products requires significant energy and raw materials, which leads to serious economic losses and environmental damage. The article considers the problem of recycling in the metallurgical industry to reduce the negative impact on the environment and improve economic indicators. Nowadays the problem of scrap metal disposal is an urgent issue for Ukraine especially due to the military actions on its territory. This is an additional challenge for the domestic economy, which is prompting a shift from a linear economic structure to a circular one. The European countries are already actively moving towards the 10R principles for the circular “green” economy by introducing up-to-date legislation and implementing proper organizational, scientific and technological measures. Ukraine has already adopted some documents regarding sustainable development and circular economy such as the National Waste Management Strategy, the Strategy of the State Environmental Policy of Ukraine, the Concept for the Implementation of the State Policy in the Field of Climate Change, the Strategy for Low-Carbon Development of Ukraine, etc. Nevertheless there is no proper legislative framework for specific circular economy measures and recycling of metal scrap and waste in our country.

State environmental policy in modern conditions: status and directions of improvement

Problem setting. Given the invasion of Ukraine by the aggressor country, the implementation of the state environmental policy is of particular importance today, and its effective implementation requires the use of effective tools, improvement of current legislation and strategic planning, taking into account the need to intensify European integration and adopt EU best practices in this area. Therefore, the urgent issue now is to identify ways to increase the efficiency of state policy in the environmental sphere, to formulate and optimize the regulatory and legal support for the implementation of state environmental policy. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The issues of implementation of the state environmental policy and the problems of improving the system of public administration of environmental safety have been considered by many scientists. For example, I. I. Samoilova [1] in her scientific works investigated the potential of the public administration system in Ukraine and the issue of its use to ensure environmental safety. Р. S. Kirin and S. V. Hryshchak conducted a comprehensive study of topical issues of ensuring and implementing environmental rights in the strategies of the State environmental policy and security of Ukraine during the wartime period and substantiated that the challenges of the wartime period determine the formation of an appropriate set of legal instruments with the help of which a platform should be built for direct or indirect measures to prevent, protect and restore the environmental rights of citizens violated by armed aggression, including an international mechanism for the restoration of environmental rights. Despite the sufficient number of scientific papers, the chosen research topic requires additional developments due to the need for scientific research on ways to improve the efficiency of state environmental safety and ensure environmentally balanced development of the state. Purpose of research is to study the topical issues of implementation of the State environmental policy in modern conditions and to identify possible areas for its improvement. Article’s main body. In the context of martial law, theoretical and practical issues of effective implementation of the state environmental policy, taking into account the existing processes of deepening the environmental crisis, are gaining particular relevance and new features. Modern processes of greening the world economy based on the concepts of sustainable development, rational use of natural resources and green economy require an effective environmental policy of the world community, with a long-term vision of state changes in accordance with the principles of balanced development laid down in strategic legislative and regulatory documents, but each developed strategy aimed at environmental protection and rational use of natural resources requires a clear mechanism for the implementation of the relevant legislation. That is, the development of relevant strategies requires the implementation of a well-established clear mechanism and consistency with the norms of the current legislation in the field of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources. The provisions of important strategic documents were analyzed, such as: The Basic Principles (Strategy) of the State Environmental Policy of Ukraine until 2030, the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine until 2030, and the Strategy for Environmental Security and Climate Change Adaptation until 2030. Some issues of implementation of regional programs on environmental protection, rational use of natural resources and environmental safety are considered. Conclusions and prospects for the development. As a result of the study, it is reasonable to conclude that there are systemic problems in the implementation of the state environmental policy, in particular, the implementation of national and regional strategic priority areas, which require updating the relevant mechanisms for implementing environmental policy, including institutional ones. In addition to the above, it is now necessary to harmonize current legislation with strategic planning documents. That is, the current legislation in the field of environmental security should be correlated with the relevant strategic directions and state programs, which is extremely important in the context of the need to restore the national economy and all components of the country's national security on the way to EU membership.

State of the field of domestic solid waste management in Ukraine

It was determined that the current state of the field of solid household waste management in Ukraine is: focused on the landfilling of solid household waste, its placement in landfills and spontaneous landfills, most of which do not meet the requirements of environmental safety; is characterized by the lack of opportunities for separate collection and processing of solid household waste; has a low technological level and a low level of implementation of innovative technologies; is characterized by the lack of a proper recycling system (including a separate collection system); limited by approaches to making complex management decisions and financial resources. It has been established that the outdated methods of managing this area, as well as the lack of a comprehensive solid waste management system, is the main problem for Ukraine, which negatively affects the environment and the health of the population. Solving this problem largely depends on state policy, legislative innovations and specific financial and economic mechanisms approved at the national level. The main priorities for changes in solid waste management policy are outlined. It has been established that the development of national legislation in the field of waste management, including solid household waste, is taking place in Ukraine. In particular, the National Waste Management Strategy until 2030, the National Waste Management Plan until 2030, the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” was adopted, which indicates the implementation of the basic principles and provisions of European legislation in the field of waste management, including solid household waste.

ЦИРКУЛЯРНА ЕКОНОМІКА: УКРАЇНСЬКІ РЕАЛІЇ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ В БУДІВЕЛЬНІ ГАЛУЗІ

The article is devoted to the topical topic of the transition from a linear to a circular economy using the example of the construction industry, which is one of the largest sources of waste generation and a basis for the use of metallurgical, construction production, and thermal power plant waste.The depletion of raw and energy resources, the growth of environmental pollution necessitates the need to extend the service life of construction materials due to their processing, or their use in other technological processes. The circular economy is identified with the concept of the "circular" economy or with production with a closed cycle, zero-waste production.It is shown that the National Waste Management Plan until 2030, adopted by the CMU resolution on February 20, 2019, remains a kind of "road map", but the implementation of the measures of the National Waste Management Strategy lags behind the planned measures. It was established that almost 90% of production waste is not reused and sent to landfills. The largest reserves of unused production by-products are in the metallurgical industry and energy production waste at TPPs.For the efficiency of the functioning of the circular economy, the specific weight of environmental taxes in the GDP of European countries varies between 1.5-4%, while in Ukraine - at the level of 0.1%. Less than 5% of the total amount of fines for environmental pollution is paid, which indicates the need to reform and improve the system of taxation of harmful emissions.

Comparative assessment of life cycle impacts of various plastic waste management scenarios in Johannesburg, South Africa

PurposeLandfilling can result in a loss in revenue that would otherwise have been accrued from recycling plastic waste, loss in potential jobs, and groundwater contamination. Plastics in landfills may also eventually find their way into marine environments, where they can be damaging to animals. This work aims to establish the environmental sustainability of current plastic waste management practices in South Africa using the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) as a case study.MethodologyFive scenarios encompassing combinations of landfilling, mechanical recycling, incineration with energy recovery, gasification, and use of plastic waste in a cement kiln were assessed through an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (e-LCA). Scenarios were developed based on an extensive literature review, current practices in South Africa and Europe, and the country’s National Waste Management strategy, which aims to achieve “zero waste to landfill”. SimaPro 9.1.1 software and the Ecoinvent Database were used to assess the life cycle impacts of each scenario over seven impact categories. The ReCiPe endpoint method, Egalitarian version, was employed in determining the impact potentials. A sensitivity analysis was also carried out to evaluate the model’s robustness.Results and discussionOverall, the impact assessment results, including damage assessments and single score results, revealed that moving away from landfilling and combining mechanical recycling, incineration, gasification, and use of plastic waste (PW) as solid refuse fuel in a cement kiln is the least environmentally impactful scenario when managing plastic waste. Landfilling alone was the worst-performing scenario, resulting in adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, and resource depletion. This agrees with the waste hierarchy. On sensitivity analysis, the increase in transportation distances and reduction in market substitution factor in mechanical recycling did not change the ranking of scenarios despite reducing the net benefits to the environment. Including open dumping as an end-of-life scenario significantly increased the negative impact of the current plastic waste management scenario being practised in South Africa, while assuming a 100% mechanical recycling rate had the least environmental impact when compared to the other modelled scenarios.ConclusionsThe current plastic waste management practices in South Africa were found to be environmentally unsustainable based on the modelled scenarios, and a move away from landfilling is encouraged. The outcomes of this study will assist policymakers and other stakeholders in making informed decisions based on scientific evidence when formulating sustainability-related waste management policies.

RISK ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH WHEN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

According to the National Waste Management Strategy in Ukraine until 2030, various waste management activities are planned in the Poltava region, including the construction of new infrastructural waste treatment facilities, which may adversely affect the environment and public health. The study purpose is to conduct an expert assessment of the predicted state of the environment and living conditions of the population in areas where the technogenic load can potentially be increased as a result of the implementation of planned activities. First of all, it is necessary to assess the risks that may arise in the areas of construction of municipal waste treatment facilities. For the study, logical and formalized assessment methods were used. Methods of expert assessments, analogies, statistical method were used as logical ones. In strategic planning of decisions and their subsequent implementation within the framework of state planning documents, an important step is a professional predictive assessment of the significance of potential impacts and risks of changes in the state of the environment and public health associated with the creation of regional waste treatment facilities. In the absence of a legislatively approved methodology for assessing the risks of the impact of waste treatment facilities, the main result of this work is an expert assessment of the potential impact on the state of the environment and public health of new infrastructural waste treatment facilities, which are planned in the Regional Waste Management Plan in the Poltava region areas by 2030. A significant limitation of this study is the lack of a methodological basis for assessing the risks of the impact of waste treatment facilities on the environment and public health and the lack of domestic experience in operating such facilities and appropriate monitoring of their impact. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that territories have been identified for the future construction of infrastructural waste treatment facilities, where there is a risk of increasing social tension. The collected professional objective information on the identified risks allows in practice to plan preventive measures to minimize negative impacts. The originality and significance of the study lies in the systematization of the results of an expert assessment of the potential impact on the state of the environment of territories with environmental status, as well as the living conditions and health of the population of the Poltava region during the construction of new infrastructural processing facilities in accordance with the plan "Regional waste management plan in the Poltava region until 2030 of the year".

ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS OF STRATEGIC HOUSEHOLD WASTE MANAGEMENT

Introduction. The need to pursue more active government policy for the stimulation of waste processing is causedby the necessity to prevent those threats that arise unless an environment friendly and efficient waste management system is in place.Problem Statement. Ukraine demonstrates a low level of household waste recycling, which poses a hazard to theenvironment, quality of life, and health of the population of Ukraine. The measures identified in the National WasteManagement Strategy until 2030 can be implemented by combining the organization of separate collection of household waste with the revision of the existing incentives aiming at increasing the demand for secondary resources.Purpose. The purpose of this research is to generalize the causes of low amount and rates of processing ofhousehold waste and to develop a system of economic tools for the formation of supply and demand for household waste as main factors of effective strategic waste management.Material and Methods. Qualitative analysis and generalization of theoretical material, systematization ofeconomic tools of household waste management, economic and statistical analysis, and regression analysis have been used in this research. Results. A set of tools for strategic household waste management and changes in approaches to their formation have been proposed. The formation of waste management tariff should be based on the length of the waste management chain, the structure of the collected waste, the potential for its recycling, the revised methods for forming the tariff, organizing waste sorting, andamending the list of tax payers of environmental tax.Conclusions. The household waste management in Ukraine demonstrates certain stability of the waste processing structure and the absence of dynamic transformations in response to changes in the modern economy. It needs support, in particular, the revision of the set of economic tools for stimulating waste processing and organizational approaches to their implementation.

THE CURRENT STATE OF POLYMER WASTE MANAGEMENT

In the work presents the results of the analysis of the current state of polymer waste management in Ukraine and the world. It is known that the vast majority of such waste accumulates in landfills or enters the natural environment. Such a threatening situation requires the search for an effective solution to the problem of polymer waste management, since its processing contributes to the preservation of natural resources and the solution to the problem of the shortage of polymer raw materials. The quantitative and qualitative composition of such waste was analyzed and it was established that the most frequently used types of plastic are polyolefins. Since the management of a large amount of plastic waste is a difficult task, the state regulation of the polymer waste management system is of great importance in this area. In Ukraine, this is being implemented thanks to the adoption of the National Waste Management Strategy in 2017. An assessment of possible ways of recycling polymer waste was carried out in order to solve the problem of shortage of polymer raw materials. Today, polymer waste can be disposed of in three directions: material (polymer-raw material); raw materials and energy. The main methods of their processing and directions of use of the obtained products were studied. The most popular methods are physical, chemical and thermal. It has been established that the recyclates obtained in this way can most often be used in the food, processing, construction industries, as well as in automobile and aircraft construction. A fairly promising direction of using recycled products is light industry products with additional hydrophobic, fire-resistant, flame-retardant, conductive, heat-insulating, anti-corrosion, airtight and other operational properties.

What material flow analysis and life cycle assessment reveal about plastic polymer production and recycling in South Africa

Global production and consumption of plastics have increased significantly in recent years. The environmental impacts associated with this trend have received growing attention internationally with single-use plastic packaging responsible for most plastic pollution. Locally, the SA Plastics Pact, the Industry Master Plan, and the National Waste Management Strategy all aim to transform the current linear sector model into a circular system by setting targets for increased collection and recycling rates and recycled content. However, the associated impacts of implementing such circular interventions have not yet been assessed across the plastics life cycle. Industrial ecology tools, material flow analysis and life cycle assessment, are used to generate mass-based indicators as well as indicators of climate damage in the form of the global warming potential. The carbon footprint of the South African plastics value chain from cradle to grave was estimated at 17.9 Mt CO2eq emissions in 2018, with 52% of these due to the local coal-based monomer production process. The end-of-life stage lacks proper waste collection for a third of the population, but contributes only 2% to the total greenhouse gas emissions, with recycling having a minimal environmental impact. Future projections of plastics production, use, disposal, and recycling for 2025 show that increasing mechanical recycling rates to achieve stated targets would start to have a significant effect on virgin polymer demand (in the order of several billion rands of sales annually) but would also reduce waste disposal by 28% relative to baseline growth and 18% below values calculated for 2018. Significance: Despite increased attention, the flows and resulting life cycle-based carbon footprint of the plastics sector have not been evaluated on a local scale. The carbon footprint of the South African plastics industry is sizeable at almost 18 Mt CO2eq per annum with emissions strongly associated with the linear rather than the circular stages of the value chain. The impacts of a key circular economy intervention, namely increased recycling rates to achieve set targets include demand reduction for virgin polymer to the tune of several billion rands.

Nuclear Power and Nuclear Technologies Can Benefit From Regional Implementation of Multinational Approaches

Abstract Nuclear energy is a proven low-carbon technology that can provide the dispatchable electricity needed to stabilize national grids that have increasing shares of renewables. Other nuclear technologies are applied in medicine, industry, and research to provide benefits to both developed and developing countries around the world. All nuclear applications result in the production of radioactive wastes. The safe and secure management and disposal of these wastes are essential for the use of these technologies to be sustainable. The expertise and the funding required must be available to all countries employing them. For some countries, this can be ensured more easily (or only) by implementation of multinational approaches. In particular, implementing geological disposal facilities (GDFs) for radioactive wastes presents a special challenge; these must be available to nuclear power countries, and they are also a necessity for nonnuclear power nations employing other technologies that produce small quantities of long-lived radioactive wastes. In all waste management programs, implementing a GDF is a challenging task requiring sensitive stakeholder interactions and significant funding. For small or new programs, the societal and economic challenges are both large. Multinational repositories (MNRs) — GDFs disposing of radioactive wastes from several countries — can provide a solution. This paper briefly illustrates nuclear technologies that give rise to radioactive wastes. It then reviews initiatives devoted to promoting multinational cooperation, and in particular in MNR developments, both globally and specifically in Europe. Several national programs have adopted the MNR concept as part of a so-called “dual track” approach in their national waste management strategy. An important recent organizational development is the transition of the European Repository Development Organization Working Group into a formal legal entity, the ERDO Association, with dedicated facilities and personnel. By supporting MNR development, we can work toward a world in which all countries can benefit from nuclear technologies, free from safety, security, or environmental concerns related to the disposal of their radioactive wastes.

REVIEW OF UKRAINIAN, SLOVAKIAN AND SERBIAN MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT: COMPARATIVE STUDY

The Carpathian Euroregion comprises of five countries: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Ukraine, as the Euroregion's fifth state, aspires to join the EU. As a result, we chose to compare Slovak Republic as an EU member state and Serbia and Ukraine as candidate countries. To support waste reduction and a circular economy, European law establishes waste management principles incorporated into national legislation across all EU member states. The key document of Slovakia is the Envirostrategy 2030, which sets a target of 60% recycling and 10% landfilling by 2030. In 2017, Ukraine's Cabinet approved a National Waste Management Strategy for the period up to 2030, and Serbia approved a Waste Management Program in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2022 - 2031; as a crucial aspect of the EU's new growth strategy to move the EU economy toward a sustainable economic model, the research article focuses on the European Green Deal and its effects on the countries under examination. This research paper's goal is to assess the state of Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine focusing on the waste situation in particular. While Ukraine and Serbia have enacted legislation requiring waste separation, this is only being implemented gradually in practice, and insufficient infrastructure is another issue. Slovakia has a slightly better situation due to its more advanced infrastructure.

Solid Waste Recycling Issues in Georgia

Georgia has made many commitments by signing the Association Agreement with the European Union, including the development of an effective waste management program. Waste management policies should include issues such as: waste management, landfills, identification and classification of waste facilities, urban wastewater treatment and more. There are four types of waste: household waste; Medical waste; Biological waste and industrial waste. Each type of waste can cause great harm to the environment. The medical and industrial waste are especially dangerous. About 5-10 thousand tons of medical waste are generated in Georgia. There is less waste planning opportunities and experience at the municipal level. In small towns and rural settlements, there are not enough garbage collection containers and garbage trucks. With the economic development of the country, the amount of waste generated and collected is increasing. Like developing countries, solid waste management in Georgia is associated with challenges of national, regional and local importance, as well as financial and environmental problems. The important steps have been taken in recent years to rectify the situation: a system for the safe disposal of municipal waste in a landfill environment and health has been established in Tbilisi and the regions. There is less waste planning opportunities and experience at the municipal level. In small towns and rural settlements, there are not enough garbage collection containers and garbage trucks. With the economic development of the country, the amount of waste generated and collected is increasing. The Work has already begun on arranging new landfills. The Waste Management Code, accompanying by-laws, the National Waste Management Strategy (2016-2030) and the National Waste Management Action Plan have made it the preferred course for Georgia to become a country focused on waste prevention and recycling. Despite the positive changes, according to experts on the issue, the country still has a long way to go to achieve this goal. Several factors are particularly challenging: 1. Incentive mechanisms for waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery are being developed; 2. Waste processing companies should be established or strengthened; 3. Effective mechanisms for waste management costs (both for citizens and companies) to be developed; 4. An extended producer obligation should be introduced, which implies the responsibility of the producer and / or importer for the collection and treatment of specific wastes hazardous to humans and health. Key words: Solid waste, Garbage processing plants, Household waste, Medical waste, Biological waste, Industrial waste.

ЕКОНОМІКО-ПРАВОВІ ІНСТРУМЕНТИ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ПОВОДЖЕННЯ З ВІДХОДАМИ НА ПОСТКОНФЛІКТНИХ ТЕРИТОРІЯХ

The main purpose of this research is to analyze the state and possibilities of application of economic and legal instruments for increasing efficiency of waste management in post-conflict areas and offer ways of their improvement taking into account regional features. On the example of Donetsk region, the article considers the current state and prospects of regional planning in the field of waste management in post-conflict territories. It is shown different features and elements of the new planning system in this field including the National Waste Management Strategy until 2030. Special attention is given to analysis of the Guidelines for the development of regional waste management plans, which were adopted in September 2021. This document does not take into account the peculiarities of post-conflict territories due to ongoing hostilities, as well as related problems and threats, which influence decision-making in the field of waste management. Based on this, it is necessary to reflect these peculiarities in sections of regional plan that cover the characteristics of region and the analysis of the current state of waste management system in region. Possibilities of industrial parks for waste recycling in post-conflict territories are considered. Studies indicate that industrial parks created on the new site (“greenfield”) have significant advantages over parks located in former industrial zones on the basis of existing infrastructure (“brownfield”). The latest novelties of the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Industrial Parks” aimed at attracting investment in the industrial sector of the economy by introducing incentives in industrial parks” (entered into force on October 7, 2021) are also investigated. Offers to improve the legal framework for industrial parks for waste recycling in post-conflict territories are substantiated.

Effectiveness of integrated management of secondary resource flows in the construction industry

Problem statement.The solution to the problem of the integrated use of secondary construction resources should be considered in the context of the spread of the world practice of using, processing and reclaiming all valuable waste as secondary resources. This is due to profound changes in the world economy associated with limited natural resources, threats to environmental and social security, an increase in the amount of waste and man-made landfills.The process of managing the flows of secondary resources should be aimed at achieving economic and environmental effects, the definition of which has certain characteristics for various stakeholders in this process: (producers of building materials (waste recyclers), developers (construction companies and organizations), the construction industry (at the regional level, countries).The application of world experience in the use of secondary resources in the construction industry can become the basis for the development of infrastructure for obtaining secondary raw materials from construction waste and attracting them into re-circulation, which will make it possible to more effectively implement the National Waste Management Strategy until 2030, adopted by the Government of Ukraine.The goal of the strategy is to introduce a systematic approach to waste management at the state and regional levels, to reduce the volume of waste generation by increasing the volume of their processing and reuse. Purpose of the article: substantiate the effectiveness of the use of tools for integrated management of secondary resource flows in the construction industry and propose an economic and mathematical model for optimal management of construction waste flows at the level of individual enterprises of the industry in the region. Conclusion. The toolkit for managing waste streams in the construction industry includes information (including statistical, monitoring), analytical, predictive tools for managing the flows of secondary resources. We consider the creation of a unified system of integrated management of the flows of secondary resources (materials) as a condition for decision-making and the effectiveness of the overall management of waste streams in the construction industry, the main goal of which is to achieve a cumulative economic effect from attracting construction waste to a repeated production cycle.The effectiveness of the use of tools for complex management of the flows of secondary resources in the construction industry has been substantiated and a method is proposed for its determination, on the basis of a mathematical model for solving the problem of optimal management of flows of construction waste at the level of enterprises are waste producers, enterprises-processors (producers of building materials from secondary raw materials), the construction industry of the region. Keywords: building sector; integrated management; secondary resource streams; economic efficiency;performance criteria; management tools