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20 Oct 2017

Lukashenko demands innovative solutions in waste management

Lukashenko demands innovative solutions in waste managementMINSK, 20 October (BelTA) – It is essential to work out a long-term program for the reclamation and closing of waste landfills, and the application of new approaches in waste management, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the nationwide seminar to discuss the improvement and development of the Belarusian housing and utility sector on 20 October, BelTA informs.

“This problem is the most important for our capital city. In the period since 1981, 25 million tonnes of wastes have been buried in the Severny waste landfill. This amount exceeds the projected capacity 7 times,” the president said. “This state of affairs requires the preparation of a long-term program for the reclamation and closing of landfills, and the application of new approaches in waste management. We do not have much free land to build landfills and bury wastes there. Besides, you were shown ultra-modern solutions in this field. This business is profitable for those who want to work. Scientists should be also involved. They will tell you if it is better to burn wastes and produce electricity or to recycle a major part of it.”

According to Alexander Lukashenko, 4 million tonnes of municipal solid wastes is produced in the country every year. In 2016, 84% of them were buried, and only 16% were recycled. “Yes, this is a rather good level in comparison with our neighbors. We are ahead of all CIS countries, Latvia, Slovakia; we are on a par with Spain, Portugal, Finland. But this is a serious issue. There are 168 big landfills and 1,500 smaller rural ones in Belarus. Over 90% of them were built in Soviet times. The capacity of these landfills has been almost depleted. They cannot guarantee safe storage of wastes,” the head of state said.

“We know what kind of landfills they are. When flying above the country, I see it very well. The new minister of environmental resources has been instructed to deal with those who are in charge of these landfills, and especially with those who pollute forests, roads, etc. You know what I am talking about. I want you to act,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

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