The Issue of Illegal Dumps: A Case of Overcoming It

Illegal dumping sites are among the most pressing threats to the environment and public health, and unfortunately, they remain a significant issue. Unauthorized landfills release toxic substances from decaying waste into the air, soil, and groundwater, adversely affecting human health. Additionally, these dumps provide breeding grounds for insects and rodents, which can transmit various infectious diseases.

During field surveys of the forests near Dumychi, part of the Dobrosyn-Maheryv territorial community in the Lviv district, experts from the NGO ForestCom identified an illegal dump of household waste next to a forest road, located within compartment 89 of the Rava-Ruska forestry managed by the Zhovkva State Forestry Enterprise. Notably, just 10-15 meters away from the dump are the graves of soldiers from World War I.

Following a report from our organization submitted through the EcoThreat application and subsequent inspections by representatives of the State Ecological Inspection, we received a response from the Zhovkva State Forestry Enterprise and the Dobrosyn-Maheryv Village Council regarding the cleanup of the dump in the forested area near Dumychi.

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What Are the Consequences of Improper Waste Disposal?

Dumping waste in locations not specifically designated for that purpose carries legal consequences. According to Article 57 of the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management,” individuals found guilty of violating waste legislation face disciplinary, administrative, civil, or criminal penalties for actions that lead to or may lead to environmental pollution, harmful effects on human health, and economic losses.

Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Up Illegal Dumps if the Perpetrators Are Unknown?

The responsibility for the safe handling of waste and the removal of unauthorized and uncontrolled landfills in their territory lies with local government bodies. Additionally, local state administrations are tasked with ensuring the cleanup of illegal and uncontrolled waste dumps located outside populated areas.

Moreover, under the Laws of Ukraine "On Environmental Protection" and "On Waste Management," forest users are obligated to prevent littering in forests and are directly responsible for the cleaning of unauthorized dumps. Therefore, the removal of the dump should be handled by local authorities or the forest user, depending on whose territory the landfill is located on.

What to Do If You Discover an Illegal Dump?

1. Report it to local authorities or the local state administration.

2. Submit a complaint to the forestry enterprise if the dump is located on the forest fund territory.

3. Call the hotline 0-800-604-473 or email the State Ecological Inspection to request an investigation—the inspection will assess the pollution and draw up a protocol for the administrative offense.

To file a complaint:

• Take photographs or videos of the dump.
• Record the exact coordinates of the site.
• Notify the police, as land pollution constitutes a criminal offense under Article 239 of the Criminal Code.

Did You Know How Long Different Types of Waste Take to Decompose?

Glass: Over 1,000 years

Newspaper: 1 month to 1 season

Regular Office Paper: 2 years

Cardboard Boxes: 3 months

Plastic Bags: 100-200 years

Plastic Bottles: Approximately 180-200 years

Metal Cans: 10 years

Old Shoes: 10 years

Car Batteries: Approximately 100 years

Foil: Over 100 years

Electric Batteries: 110 years

Rubber Tires: 120-140 years

Aluminum Cans: 500 years

Interestingly, the decomposition of a plastic bag releases over 70 different chemical compounds into the air.

Let’s work together to protect the environment and our health!

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Activity of the NGO ForestCom is carried out within the project "Combating illegal logging in Ukraine" with the support of the International Programs of the US Forest Service.