Strengthening of Municipal Waste Management in Ukraine Programme (2024–2027) is a comprehensive initiative funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and spearheaded by the Swedish Association of Waste Management and Recycling (Avfall Sverige) and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR).
This programme aims to transform municipal waste management in Ukraine, aligning it with European Union (EU) standards, promoting environmental sustainability, climate protection, and improving the quality of life for Ukrainian citizens. In a first phase, the programme will be implemented over 38 months, with a start-up period running from July to December 2024.
Strategic relevance
Sweden’s strategy on recovery and reform cooperation with Ukraine 2023-27, and the Swedish aid reform agenda
EU integration and the EU acquis (aspects relevant to environmental protection and waste management)
The Paris Agreement, COP28 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Strategic Development Partners
The Government of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Programme Objectives and Expected Outcomes
Support for stronger multi-level governance in waste management.
Strengthen national and local governance of waste management, ensuring effective implementation of waste management reforms.
Outcome
Improved planning, regulation, financing, and coordination between tiers of government with a view to more effective implementation of national legislation and policy on municipal waste management.
Support to capacity development at local and regional levels.
Empower municipalities through technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and infrastructural support, enabling them to adopt sustainable waste management practices in line with EU regulations, including to develop and test new waste management strategies in selected municipalities and regions, fostering inter-municipal cooperation and knowledge transfer.
Outcome
Selected municipalities and regions have strengthened their ability to deliver inclusive and sustainable waste management services.
Key Components
Support to
National Level
Reform of the Tariff System
Develop a robust national tariff system based on sustainability principles.
Guidelines for Waste Management Planning
Provide local and inter-municipal as well as regional planning guidelines, including strategies for managing demolition waste.
Organic Waste Diversion
Introduce guidelines for the separation and treatment of organic waste to reduce landfill and greenhouse gas emissions.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Implement EPR systems to shift waste management responsibilities onto producers.
Landfill Gas Control and Tax
Establish nationwide plans for landfill gas management and support introduction of a landfill tax to discourage landfill use.
Support to Municipalities
and Regions
Organising of pilots
At both local and regional level, including planning and the whole value chain of municipal waste management.
Technical Assistance and Knowledge Exchange
Strengthen municipal capacities through training and support from Swedish experts.
Infrastructure Development
Assist municipalities in upgrading waste management light infrastructure and technology, in collaboration with Nefco (the Nordic Green bank), to meet EU standards. Planning for the investment in large- scale treatment plants.
Donations
Enhance the technical capacity for municipal waste collection and transportation in Ukraine through the provision of donated equipment from Sweden and other countries such as bins, containers, and trucks.
Key
Partners
Connectivity with
other Swedish programs
The program will work closely with other Swedish initiatives supporting reforms of waste management and environment protection in Ukraine, especially the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SWEPA).
Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories
Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine
International and Local Stakeholders
Including Local and Regional Governments, NGOs, local government associations, international donors and financial institutions like Nefco (the Nordic Green bank).
Implementation Principles
Sustainability
and Ownership
Emphasize local ownership of reforms
to ensure long- term sustainability.
Gender Equality
and Inclusivity
Ensure that the programme is inclusive, addressing the needs of diverse communities, and promoting gender equality.