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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Status of inventory, recycling, and storage of hazardous waste in Kazakstan

Conference ·
OSTI ID:567766
 [1]
  1. Ministry of Ecology and Bioresources, Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Conditions associated with toxic and radioactive waste in the Republic of Kazakstan are discussed. At present, more than 19 billion tons of various wastes, including toxic, radioactive, and other hazardous waste, have accumulated in the country, and about 1 billion tons of waste are generated each year. Ecological legislation for toxic waste storage is being examined. However, the definition and classification of waste inventories are not finalized. Furthermore, the country does not have sites for salvaging, rendering harmless, or disposing of these wastes. Kazakstan also has problems with radioactive waste that are complicated by the activity at the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing site. Here, nuclear explosions occurred because of economic and other reasons. In ecologically challenged regions, high levels of pollutants from chemical, toxic, industrial, and radioactive wastes and pesticides cause many diseases. These complex problems may be resolved by establishing a Governmental body to manage industrial and consumer waste, including toxic and radioactive waste, and also by developing legal and other regulations. 3 tabs.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
OSTI ID:
567766
Report Number(s):
CONF-9611157--; ON: DE97009015
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English