Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko addressed concerns regarding the construction of waste processing complexes in the region, emphasizing the need for modern facilities to replace landfills. He spoke about the importance of these plants for environmental improvement and waste management during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Drozdenko highlighted that while residents have protested the construction of these complexes, citing concerns about landfills, the goal is to establish advanced waste processing plants. He stressed the importance of closing existing landfills and replacing them with modern facilities for deep sorting and processing of municipal solid waste (MSW).

He pointed out that sociological data indicates that a majority of residents in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region favor waste processing over incineration or landfill disposal. The construction of these plants aligns with both public opinion and a federal initiative to modernize waste management practices across Russia.

Drozdenko addressed concerns about the location of the plants, explaining that suitable land plots are selected with strict adherence to regulations, including sanitary zones. He stated that the sanitary zones for these plants would be at least double the required distance, ranging from one to two kilometers.

He referenced specific locations where surveys have been conducted, such as near the Pervomaisky rural settlement and in Rakhya, where construction decisions were based on environmental assessments. Regarding the Lyuban area, he clarified that the proposed site is located 15 kilometers away from the settlement on land previously owned by the Ministry of Defense.

Drozdenko emphasized that the construction of MSW processing plants in the Leningrad Region is essential and will involve deep processing and sorting. He also mentioned an agreement with Belarus for the supply of containers for separate waste sorting, demonstrating a commitment to a civilized approach to waste management.

He noted that the Leningrad Region is among the top twenty regions in the green rating of the Russian Environmental Operator. The region aims to achieve 100% waste sorting by 2027, according to a previous meeting between Drozdenko and Vladimir Putin.