The article examines the complex legal and organisational framework that is being formed around war waste generated as a result of ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. It is established that the specificity of such waste lies in the high probability of mixing debris from residential and industrial buildings, burnt vehicles, explosive remnants of weapons, toxic and radiologically contaminated components, and biologically hazardous materials. It is this multi-component nature and the potential presence of explosive items that complicates their transportation, temporary storage and further handling, which requires special legal regulation and training. The study notes that the current legislative framework, even with the new Law of Ukraine «On Waste Management» 1, which introduces a hierarchical approach to waste management and extended producer responsibility, does not yet contain detailed mechanisms that would take into account the hazardous nature of war waste and the need for comprehensive interaction between units of the State Emergency Service, military administrations, local governments and environmental inspections. At the same time, attention is drawn to the need to implement the relevant norms of international conventions (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm), which, although not specifically designed for military situations, contain general principles of control over transboundary transport and treatment of hazardous waste. The study argues that only the adoption of bylaws, guidelines and technical standards will ensure consistent implementation of the Law of Ukraine «On Waste Management» to prevent the chaotic accumulation of war waste and long-term environmental pollution. The author emphasises the expediency of establishing a permanent interagency body that would coordinate funding, logistics and interaction between state institutions in the field of collection and treatment of war waste. Particular attention is paid to the issue of material and educational support for units involved in the primary sorting, labelling and transportation of hazardous fragments; this includes the provision of personal protective equipment, as well as regular training and courses for sappers, rescuers and utility specialists. Among the practical recommendations is the need to introduce financial mechanisms for public-private partnerships in order to quickly create sorting lines, mobile crushing plants and landfills suitable for safe temporary storage of waste. It is argued that a systematic approach to war waste management will not only prevent long-term pollution of the regions, but will also contribute to their prompt reconstruction through the reuse of resources (concrete, metal, glass), which will be in line with the principles of the «circular economy». It is concluded that further improvement of the legal regime of war waste on the basis of the new Law of Ukraine «On Waste Management», international standards and national programmes with the involvement of relevant experts and donor organisations is a crucial factor for minimising environmental and safety risks, protecting public health and creating preconditions for sustainable development in the post-war period.
S. O. Synchanskyy (Tue,) studied this question.