The Problem Of Hazardous Waste Management In The Republic Of Moldova

In recent years, the problem of hazardous waste management has been very acute in the Republic of Moldova and is getting even worse. This situation is caused by important changes in the national economy, such as: privatization or bankruptcy of large industrial enterprises, changing the spectrum of economic units, with the prevalence of small and medium enterprises, implementation of advanced technologies, application of new chemicals, use of pesticides and other harmful substances in agriculture, etc. The amount of waste we generate is closely linked to our consumption and production patterns. At the same time, demographic changes, such as the increase in the number of single-person households, also affect the amount of waste we generate. In the context of these realities, a major risk problem for the health of the environment and the population is generated by toxic waste, stored in industrial landfills, of former enterprises. The most important challenge facing the authorities is to minimize the impact of hazardous waste on the population and the environment. Thus, risk minimization is possible only through an efficient and correct management of waste of any kind. In the study, the author aimed to analyse and evaluate the management of hazardous waste, to identify the most important problems and risks to the health of the population. This study was developed within the State Program 20.80009.0807.22 Development of the mechanism for the formation of the circular economy in the Republic of Moldova.