New practices in packaging waste management: WM4U experts visit Austria

On 1–5 December, experts from the WM4U Programme carried out a study visit to Vienna (Austria) as part of cooperation with the EU4Green Recovery East project. Following the visit, Ukrainian experts gained practical knowledge on how packaging waste management systems are organised, which can be applied in Ukraine. 

Ukrainian communities attended a practical workshop as part of the Waste Management for Ukraine programme

On March 10–11, a practical workshop was held in Ivano-Frankivsk for the pilot clusters of the Waste Management for Ukraine programme. The purpose of the workshop was to provide communities with a deeper understanding of the cluster concept and to identify key areas of focus for improving the waste management system.

Ukraine studies the Swedish EPR model

The main objective of the visit was to explore Sweden’s advanced experience in extended producer responsibility – an instrument that enables effective market regulation, strengthens environmental responsibility of business, increases recycling rates, and ensures transparency across all stages of waste management.

WM4U presents the roadmap for developing LWMPs in pilot clusters

The cluster-based approach is being implemented on the basis of Regional Waste Management Plans in four regions:

• Ivano-Frankivsk region – Ivano-Frankivsk cluster;
• Kharkiv region – Lozova cluster;
• Vinnytsia region – Vinnytsia cluster;
• Poltava region – Kremenchuk cluster.

This approach makes it possible to account for regional specificities while maintaining a common methodological framework and enabling knowledge exchange between clusters.

Waste management as a strategic decision for quality of life in Vinnytsia communities

Together with community representatives, the experts discussed key challenges in waste management at the local level, existing problems, infrastructure constraints, and proposals that should be taken into account when preparing the Vinnytsia region’s RWMP.

This approach makes it possible to develop the document not in isolation, but in close cooperation with those who will later be responsible for its implementation.

The Government improves procedures for intermunicipal cooperation in municipal waste management

On 10 December, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution “On Amendments to the Procedure for Determining Business Entities Carrying Out the Recovery and Disposal of Municipal Waste”. The amendments were developed with the active expert involvement of the WM4U Programme and represent an important step in advancing intermunicipal cooperation within the cluster approach.

The main objective of the Resolution is to improve the procedure for determining business entities responsible for the recovery and disposal of municipal waste, taking into account the needs of intermunicipal cooperation for cluster facilities. 

The adoption of Resolution is a tangible result of WM4U’s expert support aimed at implementing modern European approaches and fostering intermunicipal cooperation.

The third meeting of the WM4U Advisory Committee took place

The purpose of the WM4U Advisory Committee meetings is to assess the Programme’s strategic direction, take into account the current context, and facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders and interested parties.

The meeting focused on discussing priorities for 2026 and future prospects.

WM4U presents a landfill gas study

The report builds on the preliminary nationwide analysis conducted in 2023–2024, which showed that around 320 large landfills are responsible for over 82% of Ukraine’s landfill-related GHG emissions. To address this challenge, the Extended Study introduces an international best-practice methodology for selecting landfill sites and evaluating LFG management options.

From 48 large landfill sites across four WM4U pilot regions (Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, and Kharkiv regions), 15 priority landfills were selected for detailed technical and economic assessment of LFG management options. The study proposes site-specific measures, preliminary designs, and economic data suitable for future feasibility studies aimed at reducing methane emissions and enhancing energy recovery.

Sector analysis of Energy-from-Waste in Ukraine to be conducted under the WM4U Programme

The analysis will cover regulatory framework and governance, technical solutions such as incineration, RDF and biogas, market conditions, economic and financial aspects, and environmental and climate impact. Risks and social dimensions will also be highlighted.

Particular emphasis shall be placed on how different waste fractions can be used for energy recovery, how these can replace fossil fuels and how investments can be financed. The analysis shall also contain proposals for possible next steps for how Energy-from-Waste can be further developed within the programme.

“Experiences from countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Germany demonstrate how Energy-from-Waste can contribute to reducing landfill dependence while producing useful energy (electricity and heat) for cities. For Ukraine, these experiences can be particularly relevant as the country continues its path towards alignment with European Union environmental legislation. The development of modern waste infrastructure, including EfW facilities, can support this transition,”

summarizes João Santos, a Senior Project Manager at COWI.

Sweden contributes an additional SEK 200 million to Waste Management for Ukraine 

The support is channelled via NEFCO (the Nordic Green Bank) and aims to contribute to Ukraine’s green recovery, with a focus on sustainable waste management, strengthened local capacity, and measures aligned with EU standards. The collaboration with NEFCO enables investments in waste bins, collection vehicles, technical equipment.

Biogas-powered garbage truck delivered to the Luka-Meleshkivska community

A 2016 Scania P340 biogas-powered garbage truck has been delivered to the Luka-Meleshkivska community, which is part of the Vinnytsia pilot cluster of the Waste Management For Ukraine Programme. It was previously operated by the Swedish company “Borås Energi & Miljö”.