ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF IMPROPER MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Dushkin Stanislav
Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9345-9632
DOI: 10.52363/2522-1892.2025.2.6
Keywords: solid waste, environmental safety, infectious diseases, incineration, landfill, processing, recycling, toxicity, vulnerable groups, sustainable development
Abstract
Improper handling of solid municipal waste (MSW) poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health, especially in countries with underdeveloped waste management infrastructure. The article analyses the main environmental consequences of improper burial, incineration and open dumping of MSW, in particular air, water and soil pollution. It describes the pathways of pollutant transfer and their impact on humans through the food chain, water, air and contact with soil.
Particular attention is paid to analyzing the impact of factors connected to improper municipal solid waste handling on vulnerable groups of the population: children, pregnant women, landfill workers and socially disadvantaged groups. Diseases caused by pollution are studied, including respiratory, oncological, infectious, cardiovascular and psychosocial diseases.
The paper looks at modern approaches to solid waste management and gives examples of current initiatives and international assistance in the field of waste recycling.
The article also emphasizes the need to improve the legislative framework, raise environmental awareness among the population and develop infrastructure for separate waste collection and treatment. Promising areas for reducing solid waste volumes are proposed, including the Zero Waste principle and the concept of a circular economy.
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