Problems of generation and accumulation of production and consumption waste in the Republic of Buryatia

Accumulation of production and consumption waste is one of the key problems of modern society, requiring the integration of environmental and economic approaches to its solution. The Republic of Buryatia with its unique natural potential, including Baikal natural territory, faces serious challenges in the field of waste management. The high concentration of extractive industries and uneven waste processing infrastructure complicate the tasks of region’s sustainable development. The study deals with the problem of generation and accumulation of production and consumption waste in the Republic of Buryatia. Such research methods as the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model and the decoupling method have allowed us to identify the correlation between economic activity and the volume of waste generation. We have analyzed the structure and dynamics of waste generation, assessed the territorial differentiation of ecological burden, and outlined the prospects for introduction of modern waste processing technologies. The results of the study are aimed at developing strategies that ensure a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.