Destruction technologies for ODSs and POPs
The demonstration GEF-UNIDO project seeks to solve the problem of absence of technologies and equipment in the participating countries to destroy hazardous wastes covered by the Montreal Protocol, i.e. ODSs, and Stockholm Convention, i.e. POPs, in an efficient and environmentally sound manner.
Context in the participating countries
The context of the hazardous waste management in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine is typical for developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The regional networking for destruction of ODSs and POPs will provide common approaches and methods to solve common problems, so success of the project may be proposed for adoption by other countries.
Montreal Protocol
Article 5.1 of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer stipulates that the Parties to the Protocol approve the list of destruction technologies; the list is regularly updated.
Stockholm convention
Under Article 6 of the Convention, POP-containing wastes should be destroyed or irreversibly transformed so that they do not exhibit the characteristics of POPs or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally sound manner when destruction or irreversible transformation cannot be performed.
UNIDO’s approach
The salient feature of the project is application of the single technology and equipment for destruction of both POPs and ODSs. Instead of two different plants requiring separate infrastructure, only one plant is set up, ensuring significant economy at all stages of the project implementation.
Example of the recycling plant for refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners with thermal destruction system (incinerator)
The plant equipment processes refrigerating equipment, recovers recyclable materials, and incinerates hazardous wastes without harm to environment and people health.