On 20 March 2025, the first working meeting took place as part of the visit by the Swedish management of the Swedish-Ukrainian WM4U Programme – “Waste Management for Ukraine” – aimed at strengthening municipal waste management in Ukraine. The Programme is funded by the Swedish Government through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and is implemented by the Swedish Waste Management and Recycling Association (Avfall Sverige) in partnership with SALAR International.
The event brought together representatives from four pilot regions – Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, and Poltava region. The meeting served as a platform for Ukrainian local authorities and international partners to discuss strategic steps, the role of pilot regions, and opportunities for cooperation in implementing efficient waste management solutions.
Olga Glazunova, Senior Team Leader of WM4U, welcomes participants at the first working meeting with pilot regions in Kyiv.
Key outcomes of the meeting
The event began with an official opening and a presentation by the WM4U team, providing an overview of the Programme’s achievements, objectives, and long-term plans.
Representatives of the Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine also welcomed participants.
A total of 25 representatives from pilot regions from Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions shared their expectations from the Programme, highlighting the importance of partnerships for effective waste management and confirming their commitment to cooperation. They also provided updates on the current state of municipal waste management and discussed the revision of regional and local waste management plans (RWMPs and LWMPs).
Around 25 representatives from four pilot regions of Ukraine gathered in Kyiv for the first working meeting with WM4U Programme.
One of the key milestones of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the territorial communities of Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Lozova, and Kremenchuk and the WM4U Programme. This formalised the partnership and marked a significant step towards implementing modern waste management solutions.
Pontus Förberg (centre) signs the Memorandum of Understanding with Volodymyr Pelipenko, Deputy Mayor of Kremenchuk (left), Poltava region.
Andrik Mols (right), Project Manager of WM4U at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding with Ruslan Martsynkiv, Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk (left).
Weine Wiqvist, Senior Adviser at the WM4U Programme, emphasised:
“Pilot projects are the driving force behind change. They enable municipalities to test innovative approaches, strengthen intermunicipal cooperation, and lay the foundation for large-scale waste management reform at the national level. Our shared goal is to establish sustainable solutions that meet European standards.”
Weine Wiquist (on the sreen), Senior Adviser of WM4U Programme, making a presentation on the role of cluster approach in waste management.
The role of pilot regions and the cluster approach
A major focus of the discussion was on the role of pilot regions and the application of the cluster approach in waste management.
Key discussion topics included:
• The importance of pilot projects in introducing new waste management models.
• Using the cluster principle for efficient intermunicipal cooperation.
• Joint planning and coordination between regions.
• Swedish experience in implementing cluster-based solutions.
Representatives of Vinnytsia region presenting the results of their group work on establishing cluster boundaries and joint work of the regional and local authorities.
During group discussions, community and regional administration representatives explored methods for defining clusters, determining their geographical boundaries, and establishing collaboration mechanisms. A key focus was placed on reviewing and updating regional waste management plans (RWMPs) to align with European standards and identifying ways in which the Programme can support communities in this process.
Yurii Tarasenko, Adviser to the Mayor of Kremenchuk, noted:
“Our main expectation from participating in the Programme is to develop and implement innovative waste management methods based on three key components: the role of local self-government, waste processors and service providers, and residents. Without close cooperation between these three parties, success in this project will not be possible.
Thanks to the support of our more experienced Swedish colleagues, we will be able to establish well-structured clusters—not limited by geographical boundaries, as boundaries exist only in our minds.”
Yurii Tarasenko, Adviser to the Mayor of Kremenchuk (centre), speaks at the group session on improving waste management methods within the Kharkiv cluster.
Next steps and study visit to Sweden
The meeting concluded with discussions on organisational aspects of an upcoming study visit to Sweden, where Ukrainian cluster representatives will have the opportunity to learn from best practices in waste management and gain insights from European partners.
Key priorities for the next phase:
- Establishing and coordinating intermunicipal waste management clusters.
- Implementing modern waste management methods at the regional level.
- Reviewing and updating regional waste management plans in line with European standards.
- Preparing for a study visit to Sweden, where Ukrainian representatives will have the opportunity to learn from leading international practices.
This meeting marked a crucial step towards building a systemic and environmentally responsible waste management framework in Ukraine.
Photos: Anna Putylina