Comparative Evaluation of Procedures of Russian Hygienic and Environmental Normative-Methodical Documents on the Definition of Hazardous Waste Class

Abstract

Currently in the world there is no universal scientifically based criteria system aimed at assessing the dangers of waste. There are two waste classification systems adopted in Russia: SP 2.1.7.1386-03 on the degree of the impact on the environment and human health wastes are divided into 4 hazard classes; Criteria of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) of the Russian Federation on the degree of the negative impact of wastes on the environment are divided into 5 classes of danger. In the Russian practice in all areas of toxicology and health care, in justifying the MAC in the fishery waters 4 classes of dangerous substances are used. The least dangerous substances are referred to class 4 of danger, “a little dangerous.” Any chemical substance under certain conditions can have adverse effects on human health and nature. Introduction of hazard class V in Criteria MPR is contrary to the generally accepted concepts and practice of evaluation of substances. Examples of differences in the contents of two documents are given, indicating the intention of the authors of MPR Criteria to reduce the requirements for waste treatment conditions. The MNRE Criteria miss the very concept and method of the evaluation of substances that have carcinogenic properties. The SP 2.1.7.1386-03 in case of the presence in waste of substances with proven carcinogenicity for humans, assigns to the waste component the highest value of the danger index, other indices may not be considered. This approach is not proposed in MNRE Criteria. They completely ignore results of basic research, which showed the lack of the regular toxicity relationship for bioassays and mammals. MNRE criteria cannot be regarded as the only document on the determination of the waste hazard class. It is necessary to create a universal document to determine the hazard class of waste in production and consumption, ensuring safe conditions of human life and protection of the natural environment.

Comparative Legal Aspects of Waste Management Policies

“…The accuracy of this thesis can be assessed through the example of Italy. Despite the high waste processing indicators, there are a number of problems that need to be addressed in national waste management strategies and/or plans, in particular: 1) inadequate level of sorting of a number of waste categories; 2) inadequate number of production capacities for waste utilization/disposal, which results in the slow waste management process and its further accumulation [35]; 3) imperfection of national legislation on this issue [10,36].…”