A center for managing hazardous waste, developed at ministerial level, could cover collection and recycling of such waste across the country, says Vasile Efros, head of Chisinau’s sanitation and amenities.
On the margins of the conference “3 Rs for Moldova: Reducing, Reutilize and Recycle E-Waste”, Vasile Efros said the center has been already incorporated, but more needs to be done until it becomes fully functional. It will begin with handling waste like tires, paint and varnishes or toxic oils, then it will be gradually equipped to deal with mercury bulbs, and finally batteries and electronic home appliances will be added to the list.
Vasile Efros says it is very important that everybody in Moldova, young and old, grows aware of the importance of separate waste collection, in particular of electronic waste, which becomes a serious environmental hazard when disposed of at landfills. “The City Hall will provide all the support necessary to implement projects in this area. I’m talking in particular about the extension of waste collection networks”, said Efros.
In Chisinau, a project called “A clean city with recycled e-waste” is under way. 71 collection points for small and medium-sized electronic waste have been installed in the city and the suburbs, in particular in stores, public institutions, and schools. One such bin can be found in the lobby of the City Hall.