While increasing industrialization contributes positively to a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the waste generated during production—particularly heavy metals—significantly reduces both the quality and longevity of human life. The hazardous waste produced during and after the manufacturing process, or products carelessly discarded into the environment after use, lead to environmental destruction as a consequence of unsustainable development.
DANGERS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
Although industrialization boosts GDP, the by-products it generates—especially heavy metals—pose serious threats to human health and the environment. The careless disposal of hazardous waste during or after production, or post-consumer use, leads to long-term environmental degradation.
In highly industrialized areas, heavy metals measured in air, water, and soil often exceed acceptable limits, threatening all forms of life. Additionally, the careless use of agricultural chemicals must not be overlooked. You can read the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s published “Waste Management Regulation” [here].
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
Approximately 90% of hazardous waste is generated during industrial production. With each passing year, the environmental damage caused by such waste increases, making effective waste management essential.
Hazardous waste management is defined as the separation of waste at the source based on its characteristics, followed by its collection, temporary storage, recovery, transportation, disposal, and monitoring. You can read the “Regulation on the Control of Hazardous Waste” published by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry [here].
It is crucial that methods which do not endanger the environment or human health are applied at every stage—from the generation to the final disposal of hazardous waste. Since disposal of hazardous waste is more complex and costly than that of regular solid waste, minimizing hazardous waste at the source becomes increasingly important.
DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
To ensure the correct and official disposal and potential recovery of waste, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has issued the “Regulation on the General Principles of Waste Management,” which you can read [here].
Hazardous waste can only be disposed of by firms licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization under the “Environmental Permit and License Regulation” for “Hazardous Waste Disposal.”
