On 11 October 2024, Kyiv hosted the official launch of Waste Management for Ukraine (WM4U) – Strengthening Municipal Waste Management in Ukraine, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reforming Ukraine’s waste management system in alignment with European standards.
Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by Avfall Sverige – Swedish Waste Management – and SALAR International, this 2024-2027 programme seeks to enhance sustainability, climate resilience, and governance in the waste management sector, supporting Ukraine’s integration into the European Union’s green transition.
A strategic response to Ukraine’s waste management challenges
Speaking at the launch event, Martina Quick, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, emphasised:
“Sustainable waste management is a critical challenge for all of us, particularly in times of war. This programme will bring Ukraine closer to European standards and contribute to the development of a circular economy.”
The programme aligns with Sweden’s Strategy for Recovery and Reform Cooperation with Ukraine (2023–2027) and the EU acquis on waste management. It also supports Ukraine’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, COP28, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Programme objectives and key areas of support
WM4U is designed to strengthen multilevel governance in waste management while enhancing municipal capacity through technical assistance, infrastructure development, and policy reforms.
National-level support:
- Reforming the municipal waste tariff system to ensure financial sustainability.
- Developing strategies to reduce landfill disposal of organic waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Supporting the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to shift waste management costs to producers.
- Creating a national plan for landfill gas management and supporting the introduction of a landfill tax.
Municipal and regional support:
- Establishing pilot projects at both local and regional levels to test sustainable waste management solutions.
- Providing technical assistance and knowledge exchange with Swedish experts.
- Supporting the modernisation of waste infrastructure, including investment planning for large-scale treatment plants.
- Donating waste collection and transportation equipment from Sweden and other partners, including bins, containers, and trucks.
Key partners and collaborative approach
WM4U is a multi-stakeholder initiative involving:
- Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development (MinDevelopment)
- Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine (MinEnv)
- Territorial communities and local government associations
- International donors and financial institutions, including NEFCO (Nordic Green Bank)
The programme will also coordinate closely with other Swedish environmental initiatives, particularly those led by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).
A vision for a sustainable future
Over the coming months, WM4U will work directly with municipalities, government agencies, and international partners to build a modern, efficient, and sustainable waste management system in Ukraine.
By fostering inter-municipal cooperation, promoting circular economy models, and introducing climate-friendly waste management solutions, WM4U is set to drive long-term transformation and bring Ukraine closer to its EU accession goals.
Stay tuned for updates on the programme’s progress!