1. What is Dog Control?
In Ukraine, as in other countries of the former USSR, the concept of “dog control” is not familiar to the public. Most often, we deal with stray animal catchers.
In Ukraine, and possibly in other former USSR countries, there is a rather strange situation where veterinarians show little interest in stray animals, and the police have simply lost interest. The only agency dealing with stray animals, specifically their capture, is the Municipal Services Department, which forms sanitary patrols to catch stray animals based on the Municipal Utility Enterprise (KATP). However, there are more progressive ideas: for example, in Tatarstan, an ecological police force was created, whose functions include control over stray animals.
In the United Kingdom, stray animals are managed by dog control services under municipalities, the police, and animal protection charities. This is a well-established system where everyone has their defined responsibilities.
The experience of the UK and other Western European countries shows the fundamental importance of an organization such as DOG CONTROL. The control staff must be selected considering their experience, ability to understand animals, and personal qualities. They should be seen not as killers, but as specialists performing a responsible task of fostering the proper attitude toward animals and their care. Therefore, it is very important that random people are not allowed into control positions.
To radically change the meaning of this work, the goals and techniques of capturing must first be changed to make them more humane. The most valuable qualities are an understanding of animal behavior and personal patience.
Dog control representatives must be well-equipped. They should have at their disposal a specialized vehicle with catching equipment and everything necessary to provide assistance to animals in case of accidents.
When catching aggressive animals, special protective suits should be worn, with particular attention paid to protecting the head, limbs, and vulnerable body parts.
A dog control team consists of 1-2 persons. Incidentally, in Western countries, there is also a standard rate of captures per hour — 4-10 dogs depending on the situation. Instructions given to dog control specialists include advice like: “If you were unable to catch a dog today, don’t be discouraged; maybe tomorrow you will have better luck.”
In reality, dog control workers who are not paid per capture tend to treat stray animals quite gently and with understanding.
To become a dog control worker, the following requirements must be met:
Ability to handle animals and knowledge of their behavior
Ability to work with the public, explaining the importance of their work
Knowledge of the main laws regulating dog control activities
A valid driver’s license
Ability to make quick and independent decisions
Willingness to work at any time of day
Ability to communicate information orally and in writing
Educational requirements are also important — education must be at least secondary. Workers should have experience in teaching or lecturing. Among dog control specialists in Western countries, you can find cynologists, veterinarians, retired military personnel, police officers, and trainers.
The duties of dog control workers are quite varied:
Catching and controlling stray animals, including temporary sheltering for 7 days in municipal shelters
Educational activities — informing the public about existing rules for animal care and walking, explaining conditions of fines; special attention is paid to school presentations
Responding to public complaints (pollution of recreational areas, unjustified dog barking, attacks on people), including preparing legal claims
Monitoring compliance with adopted decisions and current laws
2. To Catch or Not to Catch
Probably no one has counted the number of dogs living in our country. It’s quite a difficult task. However, there is a generally accepted method for calculating the number of dogs per capita. According to this method, in the USA, there is 1 dog per 10 people, while in Western Europe there is 1 dog per 6 people.
In Ukraine, this ratio is somewhat higher, since stray dogs make up 60-70% of this number. According to our data, about 10 million stray dogs live in Ukraine.
What is a “stray dog”?
A lost dog. Usually a pet, such a dog can be quite aggressive out of fear of unfamiliar surroundings;
A stolen dog that was later abandoned as unwanted;
An old, often sick dog abandoned by its owners, which often carries various diseases;
A genetically stray dog living in packs, showing traits of their wild ancestors — wolves. Usually, this type of stray animals causes the biggest problems in populated areas and is the most dangerous to humans;
Dogs that owners let out unsupervised due to lack of time or busy schedules. These dogs usually return home themselves after wandering but often cause traffic accidents.
It is usually quite difficult to distinguish a pet dog from a stray, especially if it has no collar. Today’s pet dogs become strays when their owners cannot feed them or when dogs get sick or old. Even dogs of prestigious breeds can become strays: German Shepherds, Collies, Terriers, Schnauzers, Afghan Hounds, etc.
The dog-keeping situation is also complicated by the fact that cities usually lack special places for walking and training dogs, while streets, parks, and squares are practically littered with animals. There are no local laws obliging dog owners to clean up after their pets.
This sweet couple,
along with their children,
and their children’s children,
could have born during their lifetime:
Year 1: 16
Year 2: 128
Year 3: 512
Year 4: 2,048
Year 5: 12,288
Year 6: 67,000
adorable puppies
Therefore, the dream of many city officials to exterminate ALL stray animals must be recognized as utopian. A person can only attempt to establish an ecological balance in a particular city. Incidentally, according to Indian experts—who are no less concerned than we are about the growing number of stray animals in India—intensive extermination of stray animals has led to a sharp increase in the rat population.
We are so obsessed with the idea of exterminating all stray animals in the city that we have already forgotten what exactly bothers us about them.
What bothers us are stray dogs wandering and lying on the city’s main streets or attacking passersby, children, and joggers (domestic dogs can be no less dangerous for the latter).
We are disturbed by cats howling and dogs barking in our yards at night.
We dislike the sight of stairwells, yards, and city parks littered with dog and cat waste, and playgrounds fouled by them become hazardous to the health and lives of our children (in a city with a population of 500,000, dogs leave over 12 tons of feces daily).
We are worried about sick stray dogs and cats — carriers of numerous diseases dangerous to humans.
Finally, the sight of bloated animal carcasses on the roadside is unpleasant.
These are the problems we must primarily focus on. However, here is a list of tasks that NO ONE today is able to accomplish:
Exterminate all stray animals in the city.
Convince all dog owners to walk their pets in designated areas and clean up after them (unless the local government adopts relevant regulations).
Respond to every call reporting that a dog attacked someone at a certain location some time ago—simply because the dog is no longer there.
Work without the support of laws, police, and veterinary services.
3. Veterinary and other equipment for controlling stray animals
Syringe guns
Veterinary equipment for capturing and controlling animals
Cremation device for disposing of small animal carcasses
Animal shelter “HEXAGON”
Dog toilets
Microchips
4. Reminder for stray animal catchers
a) How to catch a dog
The main task is to calm the dog and gain its trust.
Approach the dog slowly, without sudden movements.
Speak to the dog in a calm voice.
Offer it to sniff the back of your hand if it’s safe.
Give the dog bait.
Touch and pet the dog.
If the dog has a collar, hold it and attach a leash.
If no collar, try to slip a loop over the dog’s head.
Make sure the loop is not too large.
Pull the dog by the leash and try giving commands.
Use animal capture and control devices.
A female dog in heat can be used to help catch a male dog.
Corner the animal to limit its movement.
Use protective gear and do not refuse help from a partner.
If you don’t catch it this time, maybe you’ll have better luck the next day.
What to do if attacked by an aggressive dog
Face the dog so you can see the attack direction and protect yourself.
Use any object to shield yourself from the dog’s teeth (stick, bag, newspaper, box, umbrella, coat wrapped around your arm).
If nothing else is available, put your hand under the bite.
Do not let the dog attack your legs because if you fall, it will attack your head and neck.
If the dog is large and heavy, brace yourself to absorb the first blow.
If the dog bites and hangs on you, try to:
Shout at the dog;
Call for help;
Knee the dog in the chest;
Hit the dog on the nose.
If the dog bites and then releases you, try to remember the dog’s and owner’s features (if present).
Remember the place where the attack happened.
Seek medical attention immediately.
3. How to behave with an aggressive dog
Do not approach the dog closely.
Do not corner it; leave it an escape route.
Avoid sudden movements.
Leave the territory the dog considers its own.
Back away without turning your back on the dog.
Keep the dog in your sight at all times.
Never look a dog directly in the eyes; this can be perceived as a challenge.
Do not provoke the dog by shouting.
Do not wave your arms suddenly.
If you have taken something belonging to the dog (bone, food bowl), put it back.
If there is a door, use it as a barrier.
The dog will lose interest if you leave its territory.
Ask the owner (if present) to calm their dog.
4. Handling a dog
Observe the dog for a few minutes. If there is no obvious threat, sit nearby and talk to the dog in a friendly tone. Be patient.
Look around and decide where the dog might run if scared. Determine if there is a place more suitable for capture nearby (road, river, etc.).
Approach slowly. If the dog tries to run away, stop.
Bait may help, but stressed dogs rarely eat in unfamiliar places.
Use a leash or loop. Avoid direct eye contact and do not lose sight of the dog’s head.
When caught, put the dog in a vehicle.
Keep in mind that small and medium dogs usually attack legs. Use dense material or a net to catch the dog.
If alone, use any available object for protection.
5. Work in the city
Wear a white coat; have a spare one.
Carry an identification badge “VETERINARY CONTROL” to explain your actions to locals.
Actively use sound or gas spray to scare dogs during mass city events.
After using syringe guns, monitor the animal’s movement because the drug’s effect is not immediate.
5.1 Syringe guns
The proposed syringe guns allow treating or sedating animals at distances from 1 to 60 meters with “flying” syringes.
Syringe guns are safe for both humans and animals. They operate on pneumatics or CO₂ cartridges.
Syringe guns have been effectively used in our country for several years. When purchasing a syringe gun, it is recommended to inform law enforcement that this equipment is for sanitary city cleaning and to provide them with the manufacturer’s certificate (included).
5.2 General recommendations for use
Due to the low speed of the syringe, avoid shooting at moving animals to prevent missing.
Aim for the neck or thigh muscles, avoiding bones that might block the needle.
Do not shoot at the head, throat, or abdomen as the drug effect decreases when entering body cavities.
Avoid shooting when the animal is in an awkward position or at an angle.
Always consider your syringe gun’s effective range.
Approach the animal carefully, preferably by car.
For accurate shots, avoid strong wind and keep the distance as short as possible.
Keep the animal in sight until it collapses; do not approach until the drug takes effect.
Simple needles can be removed easily; to remove a harpoon needle, pull the skin away from the harpoon side and pull the needle out.
Syringe guns can be supplied in two options:
In a transport case
In a cardboard box (in this case, the barrel is detached)
When supplied in a transport case, the syringe gun is ready for use, and the sighting device is pre-centered. When supplied in a cardboard box, the barrel needs to be attached. The barrel is fastened to the base with two bolts using the included L-shaped screwdriver. In this case, the sighting device must be centered.
All components of the syringe gun are made of blued aluminum and brass. All parts are resistant to weather conditions.
Syringe Gun J.M.
Attention! The syringe gun is zeroed before shipment from Denmark at temperatures ranging from -5°C to +20°C. A pressure of 6 bar for the I.M. model is sufficient to achieve a shooting range up to 20 meters using a 3 ml syringe filled with 3 ml of water.
For zeroing, do not fill the syringe with air; filling it with water is sufficient. Install a training needle using pliers. Use only new syringes for zeroing. Remember to remove the water from the syringe after completing the zeroing process.
Before use, it is recommended to check all syringes. To do this, insert the syringe from the breech side of the syringe gun (the syringe loading area), since this part has the narrowest channel in the barrel, and make sure the syringe moves freely there.
Since the barrel is made of blued aluminum and bronze, there is no need to wipe it with gun oil, as this may reduce the syringe’s exit velocity.
Zeroing should be performed in a location sheltered from wind.
Prepare a zeroing target made from a mattress, a pile of newspapers, a piece of soft rubber, etc., and place it at a distance of 20 meters.
Draw a red circle with a diameter of 2 cm on the target.
Fill the syringe with plain water. Attach a new needle (only new ones!).
Zeroing Table
(for 3 ml syringe)
(Here you can add the corresponding zeroing table if you want.)
Remove both caps. The top screw of the sight device controls vertical adjustment, while the side screw controls horizontal adjustment. Each new turn of the screw is fixed by a click — ranging from 5 to 10 clicks per adjustment.
is a modification of the JM model.
It is the only pneumatic double-barreled weapon model in the world.
It comes with two barrels, 11 mm and 13 mm in diameter.
This technical solution facilitates switching from the 11 mm barrel (for 1.5 ml and 3.0 ml syringes) to the 13 mm barrel (for 5.0 ml and 10.0 ml syringes).
No sight adjustment is required when changing barrels.
It helps determine the necessary dose of the administered drug on site.
Upon customer request, it can be supplied with two barrels of the same caliber.
Connecting Power Sources
Pneumatic syringe guns can operate either from CO₂ cartridges or from a foot pump.
CO₂ Cartridge:
Screw on by hand counterclockwise without effort or tools.
When piercing the neck, a characteristic hissing sound appears.
After use, unscrew a few turns clockwise to release air, then unscrew completely.
The pressure regulator (+/-) should be checked periodically.
Foot Pump:
Use a special socket wrench to unscrew the locking ring.
Screw on the pressure chamber (if the ring is not unscrewed, the chamber cannot be screwed on).
Connect the pump to the syringe gun via a hose with locks.
Set the pressure regulator to the (-) position.
Pump to the required pressure.
When the pressure is reached, switch the regulator to “0”, and disconnect the hose.
After shooting, repeat the process.
Insert the syringe into the barrel channel from the breech side of the stock.
Close the barrel channel with the ramrod, making sure the stabilizer is not clamped.
Do not use a CO₂ cartridge at temperatures above 60°C.
Screw the cartridge on without effort, counterclockwise.
Disconnect the cartridge only after completely releasing the gas.
Check the safety only when there is no syringe in the barrel.
Do not disassemble the trigger mechanism unless necessary.
Pressure must not exceed 16 bar.
When the syringe gun is not in use, the pressure regulator must be set to (-).
General Information:
The syringe guns operate either from a CO₂ cartridge (PI CO₂ model) or from a foot pump (PI model). The effective range of the syringe gun is from 1 to 30 meters.
The CO₂ charging device can be purchased separately for the PI model or as a standalone PI CO₂ model.
Unscrew the black casing by turning it counterclockwise.
Attention! Before unscrewing, make sure the cartridge is not under pressure.
Ensure the green valve is closed.
Insert the CO₂ cartridge neck-first toward the handle, put on the casing, and turn several times until the cartridge is pierced — you will hear a hissing sound.
Press the valve button to adjust the pressure. Check the pressure gauge to confirm gas has entered the handle. Adjust pressure using the valve.
Connect the pump to the syringe gun handle.
Pump until the desired pressure is reached, monitoring the pressure gauge on the syringe gun.
Once the required pressure is achieved, the pump can be disconnected.
To reduce pressure, open the green valve; to increase, pump more.
Insert the syringe into the barrel from the rear side to a depth of 3–4 cm using a pencil, pen, tweezers, or similar.
Attach the barrel to the handle. The barrel is held by a rubber ring. If the attachment is loose, replace the ring (a new one is included in the kit).
The syringe gun is ready to fire.
Attention! Attach the barrel with the syringe only immediately before firing. Otherwise, store the barrel and handle separately. Pressure in the handle can be maintained indefinitely.
It is recommended to shoot with both hands: one holding the handle, the other supporting the barrel.
To improve accuracy, use a support (fence, car door, tree, etc.).
Aim at the center along the barrel direction.
Attention!
At low pressure, the syringe’s trajectory rises, speed and impact force decrease.
At higher pressure, the trajectory lowers, speed and impact force increase.
Unlike firearms, it is recommended to press the trigger smoothly and quickly.
Do not pump a loaded syringe gun.
Do not store the syringe gun under pressure.
Maximum allowable pressure is 12 bar.
After every 5–6 shots, clean the barrel channel with a clean cloth without lubrication.
Prevent dust from entering the handle of the syringe gun.
A. Procedure for Loading Syringes
Detach the stabilizer from the syringe and use a pin to push the pink piston into the syringe base to remove the compressed air.
Using a medical syringe with an adapter, push the rubber piston into the chamber for the active substance.
With a sharp movement, move the rubber piston of the medical syringe to its extreme rear position.
Attach a needle to the medical syringe and check its functionality by passing air through it.
Draw the required amount of active substance into the medical syringe.
Holding the syringe with the active substance chamber upwards, fill it from the medical syringe with the active substance.
Place a rubber clamp on the needle so that it covers both needle openings. Secure the needle firmly on the syringe using pliers.
Attach a protective cap (optional).
Holding the syringe with the active substance vertically, inject 10–12 ml of air sharply through the tailpiece using the medical syringe with the adapter. The pink piston should move to the position near the tailpiece.
Detach the medical syringe and adapter, then fix the stabilizer in place.
These syringes and needles are reusable. It is recommended to rinse the syringe with distilled water after use. Needles can be disinfected and rinsed with clean water. When storing syringes, it is recommended to inject 5–8 ml of air into the active substance chamber.
B. Recommended Air Volume in Syringes
Do not use syringes with leaks.
Do not immerse syringes in boiling water.
Do not leave active substance or water in syringes for more than 24–48 hours, as this may cause piston corrosion.
Currently, there is a wide variety of medications available for tranquilizing and immobilizing animals. Before use, it is necessary to know the required dosage (depending on the animal’s weight), the mode of action of the active substance, and the possible reaction of the animal to it.
Attention! The effectiveness of the active substance largely depends on:
The shooter’s experience and accuracy
The animal’s age
The health condition and stress level of the animal
The animal’s sex
Season and climatic conditions
Prohibited:
Aiming the syringe gun towards a person.
Loading the syringe gun in violation of established rules.
Using the syringe gun in crowded places.
The Dog Control Service is organized to control stray animals in populated areas, as well as to assist other animals and birds living there.
Work related to catching stray and unattended animals includes:
Receiving requests and planning routes
Preparatory and finishing tasks, including refueling the special vehicle and preparing the dog control specialists’ equipment (canine handlers)
Meeting with interested parties: representatives of the customer, fauna specialists, animal guardians, animal protection organizations, etc.
Joint departure to the capture site
Capturing the stray or unattended animal
Placing the animal in a cage
Loading into the special vehicle
Transport to holding or sterilization facilities
When capturing stray and unattended animals using tranquilization:
Driver-specialist in dog control — 1 person
Dog control specialist — veterinarian — 1 person
Dog control specialist — canine handler — 1 person
When capturing without tranquilization (with participation of animal guardians, animal protection organizations, etc.):
Driver-specialist in dog control — 1 person
Dog control specialist — canine handler — 1 person
Vehicle — 1 unit
Syringe gun PI set — 1 unit
Capture device 109-307-60 — 1 unit
Capture device 109-307-28 — 1 unit
Capture net 174-311 — 1 unit
Cat and feline restraint device — 1 unit
Rabies gloves — 2–3 pairs
Ultrasonic repeller — 1 unit
Net thrower — 1 unit
Cage trap — 1 unit
Protective suit for dog control specialists — 1–2 sets
Animal transport stretcher — 1 unit
Cotton suit
In winter additionally: jacket with insulated lining, cotton pants with insulated lining
Reflective stripe applied on pants
The name and phone number of the capturing organization clearly displayed on the back of the suit and jacket
To prepare dog control specialists, it is recommended to periodically hold “briefings” to correctly assess the situation and choose the appropriate capture method.
INFORMATION BRIEF
on Stray Animals
LLC “KROT”
The relationship between humans and dogs has a history spanning centuries and, until recently, was never considered a problem—mainly because all dogs originally had a specific purpose: for hunting, guarding, tracking, entertainment, and so on.
Problems began to arise when the number of dogs exceeded the maximum acceptable number for a particular populated area—when dogs became unnecessary to people, surplus.
How did this happen?
Zoological background:
This sweet couple, along with their children and their children’s children, could produce the following number of adorable puppies over their lifetime:
1 year: 16
2 years: 128
3 years: 512
4 years: 2,048
5 years: 12,288
6 years: 67,000
In practice, the birth rate and mortality rate (due to lack of food or water sources, diseases, or being hit by vehicles) reach a balance known as the “acceptable threshold level” (ATL). The ATL depends on capture rates, availability of food sources, water, and shelter. The absence of capture over the specified period has led to a catastrophic increase in the number of stray animals in Mykolaiv.
A. The dog population in Mykolaiv, based on their living conditions, is diverse and includes:
Thus, the main problem for the population of Mykolaiv is caused by stray animals, whose numbers periodically fluctuate due to an influx of companion dogs through overbreeding, as well as cases of owner death, illness, or relocation from private homes to multi-apartment buildings. The stray dog population is also replenished by semi-free-ranging dogs. Together, semi-free-ranging owned dogs and stray dogs account for approximately 40% of the total dog population in the city.
B. How many stray dogs are there in Mykolaiv?
There is a widely accepted methodology in Western Europe and the USA for estimating the number of dogs per capita. According to this methodology, in the USA, there is 1 dog per 10 people, while in Western Europe, it is 1 dog per 6 people. Using this method, it can be estimated that over 6 million dogs live in Ukraine, of which 40% are strays. In Mykolaiv, out of 80,000 total dogs, approximately 40,000 are strays. Is this a lot or a little? For comparison, according to the largest UK charity, “Dogs Trust,” about 250,000 stray animals live in shelters across the entire United Kingdom.
C. Why do stray animals bother us?
D. Is it necessary to reduce the number of stray animals?
As soon as the issue of reducing the stray animal population is raised, animal rights organizations immediately start talking about humanity and welfare. Homelessness and humanity, homelessness and animal welfare are incompatible. In Europe and North America, legislation prohibits the presence of unsupervised dogs in public places. The optimal situation for a city is a minimal or complete absence of stray dogs.
The population of stray dogs is stable—it is as large as the city can “support.” “Excess” animals die. The populations of companion dogs and stray dogs in any city are like two connected vessels. Absolute isolation does not exist. If there is an excess of owned dogs, the flow of animals shifts toward strays. If the number of strays decreases, the chances of abandoned animals surviving in street competition increase.
Catch-Sterilize-Release (CSR) or Removal (R)
The CSR method (catch-sterilize-release to the original location) focuses not on the direct removal of stray animals but on gradually reducing their numbers through natural mortality over 6–7 years. Experiences in the USA and Europe have shown that this method can yield positive results only if 70–80% of companion dogs are sterilized annually.
Since 2007, starting in Kyiv, Ukraine has implemented CSR as an alternative to permanent capture and euthanasia, citing alleged practices in the USA and European countries. In some US cities, as well as certain towns in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries, the CSR strategy is applied only to stray cats living on city outskirts, industrial territories, or university campuses, where they do not cause significant problems. For dogs, this practice is not used, as they are considered more “problematic” animals.
Partial application of the CSR strategy for stray dogs exists only on the southeastern periphery of Europe, such as in some cities in southern Italy, and as localized experiments in Bulgaria and Greece.
The primary approach to managing unsupervised owned and stray animals in Western countries is permanent capture (Removal, or R), meaning removal from the urban environment without returning animals to their capture location, followed by placement in shelters. Shelters also actively serve as centers for collecting abandoned animals, including “excess” animals from owners, and as centers for transferring animals to new owners.
After a mandatory holding period—usually from 5 days to two weeks (in the UK, one week)—during which captured dogs and cats are returned to their owners (if they are lost or runaway), animals may be transferred to new owners or public shelters for further care. Unclaimed animals are subject to euthanasia. In the USA, up to 4 million animals are euthanized (humanely put to sleep) annually.
Euthanasia is considered a necessary measure because shelters implementing municipal programs—so-called “open-admission shelters”—must maintain sufficient capacity and always be ready to accept new animals. Overcrowding in shelters would paralyze their operations.
According to available statistics in Ukrainian cities with operating shelters, the percentage of stray dogs returned to old or new owners is no more than 10–15%. Experience also shows that not all stray dogs can be domesticated and become pets. Some “semi-feral urban stray dogs” may even be dangerous to owners and their children.
The primary purpose of shelters is the temporary housing of animals until they are reunited with their old owners or adopted by new ones. Shelters should not turn into “hospices” where stray animals live out their lives, as no budget could sustain this!
After the Verkhovna Rada ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals on September 18, 2013, local authorities gained the opportunity to legalize their efforts to reduce the stray animal population. However, the law does not clearly specify which method should be applied—whether catch-sterilize-release or permanent capture with euthanasia and shelter placement.
«
it will suffocate in its own waste.” Niels Bohr
Waste on the outskirts, bustling streets of settlements, and even in recreational areas has become an integral part of life for Ukraine’s residents. The absence of waste is one of the key differences between European settlements and those in Ukraine. Unfortunately, Ukrainians have grown accustomed to waste in the courtyards of residential areas and the increasing number of illegal dumpsites.
This project proposes solutions to the waste problem within a single Ukrainian settlement, specifically Mykolaiv, focusing on the following areas:
In Ukraine’s traditional waste storage and collection system, metal and plastic containers are used. Since some containers lack lids, their contents become a source of unpleasant odors, especially in summer, and serve as a food source for stray animals, rats, and homeless individuals.
Containers are typically neither cleaned nor disinfected. Damaged container bodies are rarely repaired, so their contents, particularly in warm weather, leak into the soil, causing foul odors, air pollution, and providing food for stray animals and rats.
During the transfer of waste into garbage trucks, some waste often falls out of the container onto the ground and frequently remains there until a janitor collects it and reloads it into the container. As a result, on average, up to 10% of waste is not removed from residential areas on the first attempt.
In some Ukrainian cities, underground waste containers of foreign manufacture have started to be used. Such containers were first developed in Finland, and the concept has spread across Europe. The approximate cost of such a container is around 250,000 UAH. A few years ago, attempts were also made in Dnipro to organize the production of these containers.
Drawing on Finnish technology and leveraging Dnipro’s experience, KROT LLC (Mykolaiv) has developed its own technology for manufacturing underground waste containers using local materials, which has reduced the production cost of such containers by five times.
The primary principle of the underground waste container storage system lies in the vertical placement of the container, with two-thirds of it situated below ground level. Waste is compacted under its own weight, and the low soil temperature limits the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and reduces odors during the summer period.
Storing waste using such containers offers several advantages compared to traditional technologies:
a) Waste is compacted under its own weight.
b) Low soil temperature restricts bacterial growth and reduces unpleasant odors in summer.
c) The footprint of waste storage areas is reduced without decreasing storage capacity.
d) Environmental conditions and cleanliness of residential areas are maintained, as waste does not scatter.
e) The container helps eliminate rodents and stray animals.
f) The efficiency of garbage trucks is increased, as unloading time is reduced by 4–5 times, and the number of truck trips decreases from three times per week to four times per month.
g) The frequency of cleanups at and around the waste site is reduced.
h) One underground container with a capacity of 3 m³ replaces three metal containers of 0.75 m³ each.
i) The cost of waste removal is reduced.
## 1. Underground Waste Containers (Continued)
The primary principle of the underground waste container storage system lies in the vertical placement of the container, with two-thirds of it situated below ground level. Waste is compacted under its own weight, and the low soil temperature limits the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and reduces odors during the summer period.
Storing waste using such containers offers several advantages compared to traditional technologies:
a) Waste is compacted under its own weight.
b) Low soil temperature restricts bacterial growth and reduces unpleasant odors in summer.
c) The footprint of waste storage areas is reduced without decreasing storage capacity.
d) Environmental conditions and cleanliness of residential areas are maintained, as waste does not scatter.
e) The container helps eliminate rodents and stray animals.
f) The efficiency of garbage trucks is increased, as unloading time is reduced by 4–5 times, and the number of truck trips decreases from three times per week to four times per month.
g) The frequency of cleanups at and around the waste site is reduced.
h) One underground container with a capacity of 3 m³ replaces three metal containers of 0.75 m³ each.
i) The cost of waste removal is reduced.
Since the reusable bag is removed through the outlet neck of the container, the operation of loading and transporting waste is initially carried out by two vehicles: a manipulator-equipped vehicle and a standard garbage truck. The manipulator extracts the waste bag, and the driver or janitor, by remotely opening the locking mechanism, empties the bag’s contents from below into the garbage truck’s receiving hatch.
The implementation of the proposed project does not disrupt the traditional waste collection system. It simply requires coordinating the arrival of a manipulator-equipped vehicle and a garbage truck once a week to unload the waste.
Since the use of underground containers reduces waste removal costs by 30–40%, installing 10 such containers in the city makes it practical and cost-effective to purchase a new garbage truck equipped with a manipulator (crane) or to retrofit a standard garbage truck with a manipulator.
We propose, as an experiment, installing one underground waste container in each district of the city. Such containers effectively address the issues of unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions in the city, not to mention that one such container replaces 3–4 conventional containers.
Thus, the implementation of underground containers will help solve the waste storage problem in the city, making it more acceptable from ecological, sanitary, and economic perspectives, while also creating new job opportunities.
For example, glass, which constitutes 11.9% of waste composition, is typically recycled through crushing and remelting. There are enterprises that wash and reuse glassware. Steel and aluminum cans, making up 7.8%, are remelted to recover the respective metals. Food waste, which accounts for 34.9%, is generally overlooked.
KROT LLC proposes a realistic approach, suggesting that waste sorting be conducted not within the city but at the solid waste landfill using a comprehensive processing line for unsorted mixed household waste, manufactured in the Lviv region.
This technology addresses the return of metals, polymeric materials, paper, glass, and other secondary materials to production, combining economic benefits with the resolution of environmental issues.
The basic configuration of the landfill complex includes units, mechanisms, and assemblies integrated into a single sorting line with centralized control and synchronized load and speed:
The basic configuration of the landfill complex includes the following components, integrated into a single sorting line with centralized control and synchronized load and speed:
According to the technical specifications, the selection of “useful” morphological components as secondary raw materials may include the following items:
Before being transported to the landfill, bulky waste is recommended to be pre-shredded and compacted. This will significantly save not only on transportation costs but also on landfill space, as the volume of waste will be reduced. Shredding is carried out using VB-type crushing units (19), the model of which depends on the morphological composition of the bulky waste and the required equipment capacity.
Use of an Incinerator (Biological Waste Disposal Unit)
At the final stage of the comprehensive processing line for unsorted mixed municipal solid waste, the use of an incinerator (a biological waste disposal unit) will close the waste sorting loop and enable the disposal of food waste as well.
Developed European countries have long recognized that recycling conserves the Earth’s raw material resources.
Elimination of Illegal Dump Sites
As of the end of 2019, Ukraine officially had around 5,500 landfills and waste disposal sites, covering a total area of more than 8,500 hectares—slightly larger than the area of Ivano-Frankivsk. Additionally, around 35,000 unauthorized dump sites appear each year.
Despite the fact that the government of Volodymyr Groysman presented an interactive map of Ukraine’s waste sites in 2016, no one knows the exact number of illegal dumps, and unfortunately, no official statistics are maintained.
Although fines have been introduced for illegal waste dumping, spontaneous garbage dumps are still widespread in major cities—on streets, in recreational areas, along the banks of small rivers and seas. In rural areas, one or more unauthorized dump sites typically form in fields or forest belts.
An Illegal Dump Site Is:
While the bulk of household waste is typically removed and transported to municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, illegal dump sites are often neglected by local authorities.
LLC “KROT” offers a low-cost method of on-site waste disposal using a mobile pyrolysis unit—an incinerator.
The use of such an incinerator eliminates the need to transport waste to MSW landfills, helps eradicate illegal dumps, significantly reduces waste removal costs, and extends the service life of existing landfills.
Technology for the Disposal of Waste from Illegal Dump Sites
A site plan is created for the area occupied by the illegal dump, and a work front is determined. Waste collection is carried out using a grid (square-nest) method. A designated team leader assigns the location and scope of work, and upon completion, assesses the quality of the work performed.
A waste collection team of 4–5 people is assigned a specific area for daily cleanup. The area is enclosed with a polypropylene mesh to prevent the waste from being scattered by the wind.
During waste collection, sorting is carried out simultaneously. Food waste, glass, and metal are separately placed into designated containers. Cardboard and paper, PET bottles, plastic packaging, film, textiles, and leather are collected in polypropylene bags, and their contents are fed into a mechanical hydraulic press for compaction.
Technical specifications of the press:
Technical specifications of the press:
Bale dimensions:
Bale weight:
The formed bales are stacked in a specially designated area and at the end of the shift are transported by garbage truck to the incinerator for further disposal.
Here’s the English version of the technical specifications for the TB-AB incinerator:
Technical Specifications of the TB-AB Incinerator
| Indicator | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Disposal of medical, pathological, biological, pharmaceutical waste, vehicle waste, Class 1-3 hazardous waste, municipal solid waste (MSW), bulky waste, pesticides |
| Hourly capacity | 50–200 kg/hour (depending on waste type) |
| Primary chamber volume (internal dimensions) | 2460 × 1640 × 1160 mm (4.18 m³) |
| Secondary chamber volume | 0.8 m³ |
| Overall dimensions | Length – 3800 mm, Width – 3565 mm, Height (with chimney) – 2530 / 3730 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 tons |
| Types of waste for disposal | Medical, Industrial, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Municipal, Veterinary |
| Chambers | 1) Primary chamber; 2) Secondary chamber (gas afterburning) |
| Maximum load | 2000 kg |
| Combustion efficiency | 97% |
| Temperature | Primary chamber: 700–950 °C; Secondary chamber: 850–1150 °C |
| Internal materials | Lining: 3 layers of special refractory bricks, 180 mm thick |
| External materials | Steel frame, 8–10 mm thick; 2 layers of weather-resistant paint applied at 70 °C |
| Operating temperature | Up to 1600 °C |
| Emission standards | CO₂ – 7.4%, Water – 22%, Oxygen – 6%, Nitrogen – 64.5%, Smoke – 0%, Odor – 0%, Ash – 1–3% |
| Residence time in secondary chamber | At least 2 seconds |
| Flue gas cleaning | Mechanical and chemical cleaning; complies with EU requirements |
| Number of burners | 2 (one in each chamber) |
| Fuel | Diesel, methane, biofuel |
| Loading hatch size | 2.46 × 1.16 × 1.64 m |
| Ash removal | Special hatch |
| Fuel consumption | Diesel – 8–10 L/h, Methane – 12–13 L/h |
| Power supply | 210–230 V, 50–60 Hz, 13–16 A |
| Automation | Control panel with temperature control, afterburn zone, cooling, timer, afterburn, and flue gas cleaning |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Equipment included | Incinerator with two chambers, two diesel igniters, fan, loading system, dispenser, smoke exhauster, chimney, control panel, platform, 20 kW generator, spare parts, 1000 L fuel tank |
| Certification | Complies with EU requirements (CE certificate), warranty letter |
| Training | Personnel training upon installation |
| Delivery and installation | Included (confirmed by warranty letter) |
| Distance from residential buildings | At least 500 m due to cleaning system |
Construction Waste: Dispose or Reuse?
Author of the idea: O.P. Kolesnyk (Ukraine)
Problem Addressed by the Project
Old and dilapidated buildings scheduled for demolition are a typical feature of the city of Mykolaiv. Any new construction, especially in densely populated areas of the city, requires free space, which is increasingly difficult to find in Mykolaiv. There is an urgent need to remove construction waste generated during the dismantling of structures and buildings.
Each year, the available land suitable for burying such waste decreases. As a result, illegal construction waste dumps appear, negatively impacting the city’s ecological condition by:
Project Essence
There are many companies in Mykolaiv engaged in the removal of construction waste. However, the question of what to do with construction waste afterward remains largely unaddressed. The goal of this project is to propose effective methods for construction waste utilization.
Currently, the city’s municipal solid waste landfill is over 90% full. Removing construction waste is becoming increasingly expensive, and essentially, there is nowhere to dispose of it. This leads to a large number of illegal construction waste dumps within the city limits. Improper disposal of construction waste causes serious environmental problems.
Firstly, soil contamination occurs from waste belonging to various hazard classes.
Secondly, landfill filling can displace water bodies, and leachate from the dumps may infiltrate groundwater.
All waste is classified into five hazard classes based on its danger to humans and the environment. Construction waste (except for paints and varnishes) generally belongs to hazard classes 4 or 5. Although these classes are considered the least hazardous, they are not entirely safe.
Construction dust — fine particles of various materials — harms health when inhaled, causing internal organ dysfunction, poisoning, or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is particularly dangerous and must be removed along with construction waste in accordance with safety regulations.
Even seemingly harmless waste, such as leftover wooden structures, can be hazardous. They are often impregnated with paints or varnishes, which release harmful chemical compounds during decay or burning. Disposing of such materials in regular landfills, where toxic substances can contaminate groundwater or the atmosphere, is dangerous — such waste must be handled by specialized enterprises.
However, there is an alternative approach: construction waste can be recycled, which allows significant savings in the city budget. Recycling is cheaper than removal, and especially cheaper than purchasing new construction materials.
During recycling, many materials get a “second life,” including:
Additionally, some parts of buildings can be reused during new construction.
Construction Waste Utilization Can Be Performed Directly at the Demolition Site
The economic benefit of this approach is obvious. It is achieved by eliminating the need to transport used materials — meaning there are no costs associated with loading, transportation, and unloading.
Furthermore, there is no need to pay for landfill space to dispose of construction waste.
Typically, buyers of broken bricks, recycled crushed stone, and other construction debris come to the demolition site using their own vehicles and take everything they need for construction.
Global Experience Shows That the Recycling Rate of Construction Waste Averages Around 50% of Total Building Material Production. Why Not Apply This Experience in Mykolaiv?
How Secondary Raw Materials Can Be Used
Even though secondary raw materials are not full-fledged construction materials, they still have limited applications. Materials such as old asphalt, glass, bricks, plastic, car tires, and reinforced concrete acquire a new life after being processed by various methods.
After demolition, reinforced concrete mostly remains on site and is sorted using special equipment. Oversized pieces are crushed with hydraulic hammers or shears. Subsequently, the concrete is recycled directly on site using a crushing plant.
Concrete crushed into gravel is used for filling swamps, pits, and for creating temporary roads.
Gravel is applied in construction, for backfilling pits after demolition.
Asphalt is reused in road construction, but first it undergoes thermal treatment at very high temperatures.
Rebar is also reused in construction.
Conclusion
Today, recycling construction waste has become a profitable business area and has encouraged manufacturers to create specialized equipment. On the global market, more than twenty companies from various countries, including Ukraine, produce equipment for processing solid construction waste.
Among the equipment used for construction waste recycling are:
Overall, the removal of construction waste for subsequent recycling protects the environment from pollution by reducing the number and size of landfills, which have a detrimental impact on the ecology of Mykolaiv.
“If There’s Nowhere Left to Bury — Then a Crematorium”
Idea Author: O.P. Kolesnyk (Ukraine)
Team Members: H.I. Redkova (Ukraine), Steve Luker (USA)
The two rivers surrounding the city of Mykolaiv force us to be especially cautious with land usage, particularly when it comes to essential municipal infrastructure like cemeteries. Out of Mykolaiv’s 259,800 hectares, more than 200 hectares are already occupied by old and active cemeteries. The cemetery in Meshkovo-Pohorilove has exhausted its capacity and is practically closed, and the one near Matviivka is also nearing its limit. Plans by city authorities to create a new cemetery near the village of Polygon have sparked significant criticism. Local residents have asked the authorities to abandon the idea, since their village is already surrounded by the Meshkivske and Sil’ske cemeteries. Due to the shortage of free land in the city, each new cemetery typically has a lifespan of only 10–15 years.
There is an increasing shortage of land suitable for agriculture and food production both in the city and the region. In recent years, Mykolaiv (like most of Ukraine) has experienced a negative natural population growth — the number of deaths exceeds the number of births. The economic aspect of burial options is also critical. With the increasing economic disparity among the population and the general decline in living standards, cremation provides a more affordable and dignified way to say goodbye to loved ones — especially for those who die alone or are homeless.
The project “If There’s Nowhere Left to Bury — Then a Crematorium” offers a solution to the lack of available land for new cemeteries. According to the project’s authors, due to the city’s geographic features, the construction of a crematorium in Mykolaiv is long overdue. The crematorium could be either municipally owned or a joint-stock company with founding capital. To reduce construction and equipment costs, the authors propose a co-financing model involving both the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.
Cremation has been a common practice in many countries since the late 19th century. However, Mykolaiv residents are still deprived of the right to choose cremation, which constitutes a violation of basic human rights. Every person and their loved ones should have the right to choose the method of burial.
Currently, crematoriums in Ukraine exist only in four cities: Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro (with the first two equipped with UK-manufactured furnaces). A typical crematorium complex includes two buildings connected by a gallery: one houses the farewell (funeral) hall, and the other contains the cremation chamber where the body is incinerated. A columbarium is usually built nearby.
The project proposes using the “Phoenix II-3 Human Crematory” (USA), which can cremate one body in 60–75 minutes.
This furnace can operate 24/7 and perform 3,500–4,000 cremations per year. In the outskirts of Mykolaiv and Kherson, there are many abandoned buildings and complexes that can be repurposed for a crematorium facility, eliminating the need for new construction and significantly reducing capital investment.
From the ceremonial building, the cremation object, placed on a manually operated mobile trolley, is transported via a covered gallery to the technical building, specifically the cremation hall. The bodies are queued for cremation directly in the cremation hall. As the furnace becomes available, the body is moved to the furnace platform and delivered to the loading chamber, then transferred manually or automatically to the hearth of the cremation furnace.
After the cremation process, combustion products are collected in a special container located at the discharge window, and then transported to the grinding area. Once crushed, the remains are placed into an urn, which is stored in the technical building and then finalized and transferred to the ceremonial building, where it is handed over to the customer.
The natural gas consumption of the furnace is 25 kg/hour. The exhaust gases are vented through a chimney above the furnace and contain the following pollutant concentrations:
Since emissions are well below maximum permissible concentration (MPC) levels for all components, no emission filtration system is required.
The main challenge to cremation is public acceptance. National, religious, and historical factors must be taken into account. While cremation has been widely practiced in Western and Central Europe since the early 18th century, Orthodox Ukrainians traditionally favor burial in the ground:
“How was our Lord Jesus Christ buried? — He was laid in a tomb, and I, too, must follow His example.”
Among our fellow citizens who experienced the horrors of Nazi occupation, the word “crematorium” can evoke involuntary and traumatic associations. In many Ukrainian cities, residents strongly oppose the construction of crematoriums. We must be prepared for such responses and conduct proactive public outreach and education campaigns.
Cremation is known to be a less expensive form of burial compared to in-ground burial, and in the context of widespread poverty, the cost of burial is a critical factor for most people. At the same time, we should not overlook wealthier citizens, who, through cremation, may choose to establish family crypts and organize dignified and even elaborate farewell ceremonies — equal in solemnity to traditional burials.
The city and municipal administration are likely to show strong interest in the crematorium. First, cremation does not require the expansion of already oversized urban cemeteries. Second, given the chronic shortage of city funds, cremation is a more economically feasible solution for handling the remains of the elderly, homeless, and unidentified individuals. Overall, cremation is the most civilized and environmentally friendly burial method available today.
We are ready to present a business plan for this project and discuss the details of its implementation.
INTERMEDIATE PERIOD
The intermediate construction period is 3-4 years
And this means:
a lot of money (and where there is money, there is corruption);
the problem will remain unresolved for another 3-4 years;
political vectors may change.
The essence of the project is alternatives:
Elimination of natural landfills;
search for a new location for a solid waste landfill;
search for ways to extend the service life of the existing landfill until the new waste processing plant is put into operation.
Waste Disposal Using a Mobile Incineration Unit
eliminates the need to transport waste to a municipal solid waste landfill and helps eliminate illegal dumpsites;
significantly extends the operational lifespan of the existing landfill.
I N C I N E R A T O R T V –AV
TV-AV Incinerator
Designed for the disposal of medical, pathological, biological, pharmaceutical, municipal waste, and pesticides.
Two chambers: primary and secondary
(Emissions: carbon dioxide – 7.4%, water – 22%, oxygen – 6%, nitrogen – 64.5%, smoke – 0%, odor – 0%, ash – 1–3%)
Burning capacity: 50 to 200 kg per hour
Maximum load: 2000 kg
Combustion efficiency: 97%
Operating temperature: up to 1600 °C
Fuel types: diesel, methane gas, biofuel
Fuel consumption: 8–10 L/h (diesel), 12–13 L/h (methane gas)
Power supply: 210–230 V, 50–60 Hz, 13–16 A or generator
Fully automated operation
Mobile waste disposal to reduce the burden on the landfill in the village of Balovne (B. Korenyha) during the construction of a waste processing plant.
Municipal waste is delivered to the landfill by garbage trucks.
Sorted on a mobile sorting line (metal, glass, and plastic are separated from the total waste stream)
After sorting, municipal waste is stored in 1.1 m³ wheeled euro containers before direct incineration.
INCINERATOR – G 500 container incinerator with continuous loading
The remaining waste is disposed of
in a mobile incinerator with a capacity of over 9 tons per day.
Capacity: 500 kg/h
Operating mode: up to 18 hours per day
up to 7 days per week
up to 29 days per month
up to 50 weeks per year
Chamber volume: 16.21 m³
Fuel: diesel, natural gas, biofuel
Fuel consumption: 28 liters per hour
Maximum operating temperature: 1550 °C
Complies with EU legislation
Installation of the waste sorting and disposal complex takes no more than a few days, after which the entire system can be fully operational.
Interim Municipal Waste Disposal Project
Significantly cheaper than other capital-intensive projects
Delivers results during the 3–4 years of capital construction of the main plant
Creates new jobs
Serves as a pilot project for other cities in Ukraine
Can later be relocated to another district of the city or leased to other towns in the region
This post is also available in: Ukrainian