In October 2024, Ukraine took an important step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future by starting work on a component of the WM4U Programme aimed at collaborating with pilot communities in the field of municipal waste management. This initiative is part of the multi-year (2024–2027) “Strengthening of Municipal Waste Management in Ukraine” (WM4U) programme, supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by SALAR International and Avfall Sverige – Swedish Waste Management. The programme is designed to enhance sustainable waste management practices while reinforcing Ukraine’s European integration efforts and transition towards a green economy.
Selection of pilot regions
A key pillar of the programme is the comprehensive piloting of innovative and sustainable waste management solutions. By implementing these models within selected clusters of municipalities, the initiative fosters inter-municipal cooperation, facilitates knowledge exchange, and strengthens local capacity for long-term waste management reforms.
The programme has reviewed over 80 candidates, with the necessary information to evaluate communities collected from the Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities (AATC). After a rigorous selection process, four pilot regional communities – future cluster centres – were chosen to participate in the first stage of the programme:
- Kremenchuk
- Lozova
- Ivano-Frankivsk
- Vinnytsia
The corresponding Swedish clusters were identified as following:
| Ukrainian cluster | Swedish cluster |
| Ivano-Frankivsk | Sysav |
| Kremenchuk | Avfall Skaraborg |
| Lozova | Gästrike Återvinnare |
| Vinnytsia | Stockholm Vatten och Avfall |
The primary role of the Swedish clusters is to offer expertise and support to the selected Ukrainian pilots, enhancing waste management services and practices, fostering inter-municipal coordination, and providing thematic guidance in the context of the EU accession process.
The selected Ukrainian regions will thus serve as testbeds for innovative waste management strategies, providing valuable insights for future national-scale reforms and serving as blueprints for broader national implementation.
How were the pilots selected?
The selection process was conducted in multiple stages to ensure the programme’s efficiency and impact. Key selection criteria included:
- Political will – The readiness of local authorities to actively participate and allocate resources.
- Capacity and readiness – Availability of personnel and infrastructure to support the programme.
- Commitment to waste management improvement – Willingness to implement new technologies and approaches.
- Community engagement – Efforts to raise public awareness about waste separation and recycling.
- Experience with international projects – Previous participation in donor-funded programmes.
- Flexibility in decision-making – Openness to adopting new waste management models.
- Size and composition – Preference for municipalities with over 70,000 residents and existing landfill sites that can be rehabilitated.
- Geographic diversity – Selection of areas representing different climate zones and economic conditions.
The process began with an in-depth desktop analysis, identifying potential candidates based on existing data. This was followed by consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, international partners such as NEFCO, USAID, GIZ, and the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine. Shortlisted municipalities were engaged in direct discussions, leading to on-site assessments of their infrastructure and readiness before final selection and formal agreements were signed.
Building sustainable waste solutions through local collaboration
Each selected pilot area will serve as a model for sustainable waste management and inter-municipal cooperation. The programme will support municipal clusters by providing guidance on establishing inter-municipal waste management entities, developing and coordinating waste management plans with regional authorities, and facilitating training and knowledge exchange.
It will also offer technical assistance for piloting new solutions, support investment planning, and provide funding for light infrastructure and landfill gas remediation. Additionally, the programme will help clusters explore long-term investment into large-scale waste management facilities, ensuring sustainable and effective waste management practices.
In return, pilot regions are expected to actively cooperate with the programme, engage local stakeholders, and remain committed to implementing long-term reforms.
What’s next?
Over the coming months, WM4U will work closely with local authorities, waste operators, and residents in each pilot region to develop and implement tailored waste management strategies. The focus will be on:
- Expanding recycling opportunities
- Enhancing waste collection efficiency
- Building circular economy clusters
By testing and refining innovative solutions at the municipal and regional levels, these pilot regions will lay the foundation for a nationwide transformation of Ukraine’s waste management system.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and impact!