Separate collection of solid household waste by residents of multi-family homes

Introduction. The problem of solid household waste management, analyzed in the context of sustainable development, is relevant both in Russia and worldwide. On the one hand, it deals with vast legitimate and illegitimate landfills, polluting the environment. On the other hand, it deals with the depletion of natural resources and the potential usability of latent reserves of recyclable waste. It is inefficient to accumulate mixed waste and build recycling capacities, since they are accompanied by atmospheric pollutions. Separate collection of waste has a great potential. According to the estimates, Russia’s waste management system will move to a new level when local waste management companies come into operation. This new level will ensure environmental protection and higher standards of living. However, the intersectoral problem of separate waste collection cannot be solved by local waste management operators. This problem deals with urban development patterns and urban economies of the RF subjects, as well as the Russian industries, that use recyclable materials. Materials and methods. The co-authors have applied the system analysis of the research literature, statistical data and regulatory documents, as well as process modeling. Results. The co-authors have analyzed the engineering model of separate waste collection, implemented by residents of multi-family homes within the framework of the “nature – economic activities – nature” pattern. The accumulation of hazardous and oversized waste is organized as the separate subsystems of the waste management system implemented by the residents of a multi-family home. Conclusions. The co-authors propose to modify the system of household waste management to prevent the over-accumulation of substantial amounts of mixed household waste in waste containers near residential houses and in waste collection rooms. The introduction of ecologically friendly innovations is needed at each stage of the life cycle of any product.