From March 17 to 21, 2025, representatives of the Swedish-Ukrainian Programme WM4U, “Waste Management for Ukraine,” are visiting Ukraine. This initiative aims at strengthening the municipal waste management in Ukraine and is funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), is implemented by the Swedish Waste Management association Avfall Sverige, in partnership with the international division of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, SALAR International.

Priorities of cooperation with the Ministry for communities and territories development

On March 17, a working meeting took place between Programme representatives and the leadership of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Communities and Territories Development Kostyantyn Kovalchuk, representatives of the Swedish Waste Management association Avfall Sverige and SALAR International.

The discussion focused on updating regional waste management plans (RWMP), expert support for the ministry, and the development of an effective tariff policy in the waste management sector.

Key topics included:

  • Procurement of consulting services to improve the waste management tariff system.
  • Cooperation between the programme and the Ministry in developing cluster-based solutions for waste management, facilitating more efficient intermunicipal collaboration.
  • Reviewing strategic approaches to waste management, including the potential exclusion of MBT technology (mechanical-biological treatment).
  • Providing donations to Ukrainian communities, specifically delivering 160 waste sorting containers to Lozova, Kharkiv region.
  • Supporting Ukrainian communities in developing regional waste management strategies aligned with European standards.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Kostyantyn Kovalchuk stated:

“Cooperation with international partners in waste management is critically important for Ukraine, especially in the context of recovery from war-related destruction. Thanks to the WM4U Programme, we have a unique opportunity not only to improve the existing waste management system but also to build it from scratch, ensuring an efficient, transparent, and environmentally sustainable approach. This is a crucial step toward environmental protection and the development of green initiatives at the local level.”

Prospects for further cooperation

Following the meetings, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in reforming Ukraine’s waste management system in accordance with EU regulations.

Next steps will include:

  • Enhancing waste management tariff policies to ensure financial sustainability in the sector.
  • Support in updating regional waste management plans to address modern environmental and economic challenges.
  • Developing cluster-based approaches to waste management.
  • Expanding intermunicipal cooperation to allow communities to use resources more efficiently.

In his closing remarks, Weine Wiqvist, Senior Advisor of the WM4U Programme, said:

“Separation at source is the key element to retain material quality and divert waste from dumpsites. This is a precondition for reuse and high-quality recycling. Thus, to meet EU standards, logistics and sorting must improve, with more separate collection for organics and packaging waste. Therefore, the use of MBT technologies based on mixed waste is no longer preferred in the EU due to its inefficiency, and we do not see it as a general solution for Ukraine. The RWMP revision should remain open to different and update approaches. Through WM4U, Ukraine and Sweden are working together to implement the best European practices for transparent and sustainable waste management.”

The WM4U Programme continues to support Ukraine on its path toward environmentally sustainable and efficient municipal waste management, fostering the implementation of European practices and expanding opportunities for local communities.