On 7 October, the second meeting of the Advisory Committee of the “Waste Management for Ukraine” (WM4U) Programme took place in Kyiv. The Programme is implemented by Sweden through Avfall Sverige and SALAR International, with support from Sida. The discussion brought together representatives of Ukrainian ministries, parliament, Swedish sectoral organisations, and international partners.
The meeting opened with an overview of WM4U’s achievements during its first year of implementation. The team presented initial results in developing a tariff model for municipal waste management, preparing baseline reports for community clusters, assessing the potential for landfill gas collection and utilisation, and advancing the model of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
In 2025, WM4U will focus on tariff modelling and pilot projects in communities, conducting a Waste-to-Energy study, implementing the recommendations of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SwEPA) for revising regional waste management plans, and continuing work on legislative harmonisation with EU norms.
Tony Clark, Managing Director of Avfall Sverige:
“We see in WM4U true teamwork aimed at real impact. The ‘polluter pays’ principle must become key – municipalities should not be left to cover the cost of others’ waste.”
The Ukrainian perspective: from legislation to practice
The discussion involved representatives of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, and the newly established Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture – which unites policies across three sectors.
Oleh Bondarenko, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management:
“Ukraine already has a framework law on waste management, adopted despite resistance from vested interests – proof that there is political will. The next step is practical implementation and the creation of an economic model suitable for Ukrainian conditions.”
According to the expert, key priorities for parliament and government include improving economic incentives, gradually increasing landfill tariffs, strengthening control mechanisms, and enhancing the institutional capacity of hromadas.
Olena Kalashnyk, Head of the Waste Management Department at the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine:
“It is important that the landfill tax be higher than the recycling tax; otherwise, waste will continue to flow to landfills. We are also working on draft laws to reduce single-use plastics and manage electronic waste.”
Representatives of the Ministry emphasised that their work now covers both policy-making and implementation – a significant challenge, but one that enables broader coordination with businesses and the public.
Challenges: between expectations and reality
Among the main challenges, participants highlighted the complexity of current legislation, lengthy and cumbersome procurement procedures, delays in implementation, and the need to strengthen intermunicipal cooperation.
Weine Wiqvist, Senior Advisor at Avfall Sverige:
“Landfill tariffs must be raised. This is politically sensitive, but without a financial foundation, investments in waste management systems are impossible.”
Sida’s view: Ukraine shows resilience and progress
Joining the meeting, Erik Pettersson, Programme Manager at Sida, commended the progress achieved by WM4U even amid wartime conditions:
“We are impressed by Ukraine’s ability not only to defend its independence but also to advance reforms in environmental management and EU integration. WM4U is an important part of this process and a great platform for cooperation between national, municipal, and international partners.”
Coordination and next steps
Participants underscored the importance of aligning efforts with other international programmes, financial institutions, and donors. Representatives of NEFCO confirmed that work on investment support is progressing, while Sida and WM4U are preparing for the next stage of implementation – with practical projects expected to start in 2026.
The second meeting of the WM4U Advisory Committee served as a platform for discussing the systemic changes now under way in Ukraine’s waste management sector. Despite the ongoing war, participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, harmonisation with European standards, and developing practical solutions for local communities.
Ryan Knox, Managing Director of SALAR International:
“We see Ukraine steadily moving towards the European model of waste management. Our task is to support these changes systematically, practically, and together.”
The meeting reaffirmed that Ukraine’s waste management reform is not only about technology – it is, above all, about systemic change in approaches, economic incentives, and a culture of responsibility.