On the way to a clean environment and circular economy: DTEK Odesa Grids sent almost 45 tons of waste for reuse

Thermal power generation23 August 2022

Since the beginning of 2022, DTEK Odesa Grids has sent for recycling about 45 tons of production waste for its further reuse. That makes over 70% of the overall volume of waste materials. Production waste will be used as raw materials for production of goods by other enterprises. For example, crushed stone and rebar for construction. Such waste management complies with the Sustainable Development Goal of the UN Global Compact No. 12 “Responsible consumption and production”, as well as with the European circular economy model.

On the way to a clean environment and circular economy: DTEK Odesa Grids sent almost 45 tons of waste for reuse

Despite the difficult situation in the country, DTEK Odesa Grids does not stop caring about the environment. The company implements a production waste management program taking into account European circular economy principles. Distribution System Operator sorts waste by type and sends it for recycling for further reuse. During the first half of 2022, DTEK Odesa Grids has collected 64 tons of waste and sent 70% of it for recycling for further reuse. The rest – to the specialized landfills for further placement.

“DTEK continues to develop the grids using modern digital technologies and based on the sustainable development principles. This includes a production waste management policy. We sort the waste that can be recycled for further reuse and hand it over to the specialized companies. This way we help minimize negative impact on the environment and save natural resources,” – informs the company.

A special system is functioning for storage and sorting of waste materials. There are over 350 waste sorting containers installed at the production sites. DTEK sorts production waste by 40 types: glass, waste paper, polymers, reinforced concrete materials. The purpose is to send waste materials for recycling instead of piling it up at the landfills.

Reinforced concrete poles is the main type of Distribution System Operator’s activity waste. This waste is sent for recycling for further reuse at the construction, including production of crushed stone and rebar.

Additionally, Distribution System Operator implements activities that help reduce waste generation. Since 2019, the company does not purchase mercury-containing lamps. When incandescent bulbs and energy-saving bulbs fail, they are replaced with LED ones. The company plans to give up using mercury-containing lighting devices completely by 2025.