Features of the generation and use of solid waste in the Republic of Belarus

The purpose of the study is to justify the priority of municipal solid waste processing over other types of solid waste. The analysis of statistical data characterizing the formation and use of solid waste in Belarus was chosen as a methodology. It has been established that over 60% of solid waste in the Republic is generated as a result of the activities of Belaruskali OJSC, which specializes in the extraction of potash salt and the production of mineral fertilizers. These production wastes are characterized by a low level of danger and are sent for temporary storage. Only 1.6% of all generated production waste are landfilled, and this way of their disposal is recognized as the least desirable in world practice. Municipal solid waste accounts for about 6% of the mass fraction of all generated solid waste. At the same time, the municipal solid waste segment accounts for 86% of all landfilled waste. There is a trend towards an increase in the share of municipal solid waste use from 9% in 2010 to 30% in 2021, which means an overall decrease in waste landfilling in Belarus. The growth in the use of municipal solid waste is hampered bytheir complex morphological composition, therefore, before using garbage, it is advisable to sort it or provide separate collection. To improve the monitoring of waste generation and use in Belarus, some additions to the existing statistical system of environmental indicators are also proposed.