SOCHI, Russia, April 1 (UPI) -- Allegations that Russia isn't properly disposing of waste as it builds facilities for the 2014 Winter Olympics were dismissed by a senior government official.
"All measures to realize the Zero Waste principle have been implemented, and are being implemented," Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said.
The comments came in response to a complaint last month to the International Olympic Committee by the environmental activist group Greenpeace, which said Russia is failing in its obligations to meet Zero Waste principles in constructing facilities in Sochi, RIA Novosti reported Monday.
Kozak said buried waste will later be processed at a recycling facility in Belorechensk, still under construction.
"He seems to be confused because Zero Waste has nothing to do with the waste removal he is talking about," said Ivan Blokov, Greenpeace Russia campaign director.
The Zero Waste concept is impossible to accomplish without waste separation, a program the government is reluctant to initiate, said Rashid Alimov, Greenpeace Russia's toxic waste program director.
