The WM4U Programme – Waste Management for Ukraine continues to implement modern approaches to waste management across the country. As part of its Donations component, the Programme has delivered its first batch of waste containers to one of its pilot regions – Lozova, Kharkiv region.
Thanks to funding from the Government of Sweden and the implementation of the project by SALAR International in partnership with Avfall Sverige, on 24 March, the municipality of Lozova has received 191 waste containers. This will expand waste collection coverage, improve waste disposal services, and help prevent illegal dumping sites.
Håkan Gustafsson, donation coordinator for WM4U, emphasised the importance of cooperation:
“When we extend a helping hand across borders, we build bridges of hope. Donations of waste equipment to Ukraine are more than a gift from Swedish municipalities – it is clear proof of our commitment to creating sustainable waste management in Ukraine and a more sustainable Europe”.
Material and technical support: how does the Programme assist municipalities?
One of the key components of WM4U at the local level is Donations of equipment for waste collection and transportation from Swedish municipalities to Ukrainian communities.
The primary objective of this component is to enhance the technical capacity of municipalities in waste management and expand the reach of waste collection systems. This is achieved through the provision of containers, bins, and waste collection trucks, enabling municipalities to organise waste management processes more efficiently.
Key tasks of this component include:
• Identifying opportunities for municipalities to transfer equipment
• Establishing contacts with relevant stakeholders
• Strengthening cooperation between twin cities in Sweden and Ukraine
• Supporting customs and logistical arrangements
WM4U is not only scaling up this initiative but is also working on engaging other EU countries in the support process. The Programme is already collaborating with 15 Swedish municipalities, which have expressed their willingness to assist Ukraine and are currently preparing to donate over 5,000 waste containers and some waste collection trucks.
The first step towards effective waste management
The delivery of containers to Lozova is just the beginning of the community’s waste management improvement efforts. The next steps include developing an effective waste management plan and creating an environmental cluster in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities.
“Waste management may not feel like a priority during wartime in Ukraine, but it plays an important role in the recovery and well-being of society. Waste containers are a simple but necessary part, and Uppsala Vatten och avfall is happy to donate used but fully functional containers to Lozova. We hope that more municipalities see the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative”, said Vita Ivanova, representative of Uppsala Vatten och Avfall.
Collaboration for sustainable development
The WM4U Programme is dedicated to strengthening municipal waste management and implementing European best practices in the field. Four municipal clusters in Ukraine – based in Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Lozova, and Kremenchuk – are working with four Swedish municipalities that have extensive experience in environmental management and waste processing.
Through this collaboration, municipalities receive not only material and technical support but also access to training programmes, expert consultations, and international expertise.