Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 24
By Huseyn Valiyev - Trend:
Azerbaijan is considering the possibility of implementing a pilot project by Tamiz Shahar (Clean City) JSC on the separate collection and recycling of municipal solid waste, Information Technologies Institute of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, spokesman Bikyas Agayev told Trend on Friday.
Agayev said an experimental project will be implemented in several settlements of Azerbaijan's Absheron district.
"The so-called separate collection of both municipal solid waste and e-waste (electronic waste) is legalised in all EU countries. For instance, in Germany, paper, metal, plastic and glass waste are collected in households and handed over separately. All post offices, large shops and special services at the place of residence are obliged to accept them, while citizens are paid a reward or provided with certain benefits," Agayev said.
The e-waste such as old electrical or electronic devices are delivered to special plants where all structural components are dismantled, having undergone pre-processing. For example, they are cleared of contamination, disinfected and hazardous coatings and gases removed by special methods, after which the e-waste is sent to corresponding enterprises as secondary raw materials.
The main problem in addressing the recycling issue lies with the responsibility of society and the manufacturers. For example, 'the polluter pays' is in line with the EU principle, so that everyone can have an idea of the threat to human health and the environment posed by e-waste which is also valuable as a raw material and fuel and energy resources for industry.
E-waste which is thrown into open junkyards and landfills, decompose under the influence of natural factors such as sunrays, rain and wind and emit carcinogens and hazardous chemical compounds dangerous to human health and the environment and elements polluting the atmosphere, sewage, ground water and soil.
Azerbaijan is currently studying the experience of countries effectively regulating the e-waste problem.
Agayev earlier told Trend that the Information Technologies Institute is preparing to develop a framework concept to address the high-tech waste disposal.
Here the matter rests in the formation of an e-waste management concept and amending the legislation.
Tamiz Shahar JSC was established in 2009 by a decree of Azerbaijani president on the 'Improvement of municipal waste management in Baku city'.
The company is working on the organisation and management of a waste placement and management system in Baku in line with modern standards in order to improve the capital's ecological state.
A waste incineration plant was commissioned in Baku in December 2012 for solid waste management. The plant is the largest such enterprise in Eastern Europe and the CIS countries.
The plant, with a processing capacity of 500,000 tons of household and 10,000 tons of medical waste per year, consists of two lines and a turbine, generating electricity.
The amount of electricity generated as a result of waste incineration will be 231.5 million kilowatt/hours. Over 60 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved per year thanks to the plant's work. The generated electricity will make it possible to provide power to 100,000 homes.
Translated by E.A.
Edited by S.M.