In 1997 environmental scientists and educators from Khabarovsk came in the Community Connections program for an intensive look at how the City of Portland and our regional Metro Council manage land, air and water safety issues. Later that year several Portland environmental experts went to Khabarovsk to discuss shared concerns.
Additional support comes from participating government agencies, private firms and individuals.
The goal of the project is to achieve a comprehensive solid waste management program in the City of Khabarovsk, Russia. Emphasis is on minimizing the amount of solid waste generated through citywide recycling programs, improving solid waste collection and disposal methods to eliminate harmful pollutant and disease vector impacts and on developing new solid waste disposal options for the city. Khabarovsk city officials have demonstrated a firm resolve to abate landfill nuisance conditions and improve solid waste management systems. Although other important social needs, such as health care and housing, consume the greatest share of city resources, city officials recognize that pollution prevention and improved waste management will reduce health care costs and improve livability for residents in the long term. SWMI is proceeding to develop a comprehensive solid waste management program that will allow the City of Khabarovsk to achieve these goals.