The order was signed by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergei Donskoi. “The document is aimed at eliminating a number of imbalances and risks of negative impacts on the environment and human health in the process of handling municipal solid waste,” the Minister said.
The comprehensive strategy defines the main objective, principles, priorities, key tasks and areas of cooperation between the government and society with the aim of minimising the negative environmental impact of MSW and maximising its reclaiming.
The document regulates the development of infrastructure for separate collection, use or recovery, neutralisation and environmentally safe disposal of MSW, as well as the adoption of mechanisms for economic regulation of MSW management.
Another aim of the strategy is improving the legal framework regulating MSW management. It is also meant to promote environmental education and awareness with regard to MSW management and to assure environmental security during the collection, detoxification and burial of MSW.
To accomplish these tasks, the strategy sets environmental requirements for collecting, detoxifying and disposing MSW and its individual components (mercury energy-saving lamps, electrical products, etc.), as well as environmental requirements for landfills which are to minimise the negative impact of such facilities on the environment. In addition, unauthorised landfills are to be identified and eliminated, while landfills that do not meet the environmental requirements of the Russian legislation are to be rehabilitated.
According to Sergei Donskoi, the effective cooperation of the central government and local officials within the ambit of the latter’s authority, with active participation of the business community, scientists, as well as public and other organisations will be an important condition for implementing the strategy and achieving its principal aim.
Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
