MINSK, 14 November (BelTA) – The volume of secondary raw materials recycled in Belarus in 2018 doubled as against 2010, Anatoly Shagun, head of coordination of secondary materials management at Belarus' state-run company Operator of Secondary Material Resources, said at a press conference on 14 November, BelTA has learned.
“In 2018, Belarus recycled about 20% of municipal waste while in 2010 this rate stood at 8.9%. Last year, Belarus recycled 714,300 tonnes of various types of secondary raw materials, which was up by 2.1 times over 2010. In January-September 2019, we saw a 10% increase in the volume of recycled secondary raw materials year-on-year,” Anatoly Shagun said.
The volume of all types of secondary raw materials collected for recycling increased. In 2018, the volume of recycled waste paper increased by 1.6 times over 2010, glass – 3.9 times, polymer waste – 2.8 times, and worn tires – 2.3 times. “At present, private organizations gather and recycle over 50% of the total volume of secondary raw materials in Belarus. The private sector has started to take interest in this sector,” Anatoly Shagun noted.
According to him, the rate of waste paper recycling in Belarus is around 90%, polymer waste – 31% , electric and electronic equipment – 48%. The recycling rate of used batteries and power components amounts to 28%, glass and worn tires – almost 80%. Belarus also recycles some 75% of used oil collected from citizens.
Belarus is developing a system of separate waste collection and has already installed almost 85,000 containers in residential areas. “Last year, the private construction sector began transition to separate waste collection in special containers. In line with the new system, people have two containers: for mixed waste and for secondary raw materials that are then sorted for recycling,” Anatoly Shagun added.
