Sweden contributes SEK 200M to Waste Management for Ukraine via Nefco

Sweden is allocating SEK 200 million to the Waste Management for Ukraine (WM4U) programme, implemented by Avfall Sverige and SALAR International. The support is channelled via Nefco 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. 

With this new contribution, Sweden’s total support to WM4U amounts to approximately SEK 360 million for the period 2024–2027. 

Sustainable waste management is a priority area within Sweden’s Strategy for Ukraine’s Recovery 2023–2027. Ukraine faces extensive needs in managing demolition waste from damaged infrastructure and in modernising its waste management systems through investments in capacity, reforms and infrastructure – efforts to which WM4U actively contributes. 

Focus on local services and modernised infrastructure 

WM4U works in close cooperation with Ukrainian municipalities and promotes collaboration among Swedish actors through a so-called Team Sweden approach. The programme includes mapping existing infrastructure, identifying gaps, and developing methods for waste prevention, reuse and recycling. Feasibility studies and investment projects have been initiated to support the modernisation of waste infrastructure. 

The collaboration with Nefco enables investments in waste bins, collection vehicles, technical equipment for landfills, and more in the project's four pilot areas. 

 “This collaboration demonstrates Sweden’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and a greener future,” comments Malin Perhult, Head of the Ukraine unit at Sida. “By combining Swedish resources and Nefco’s expertise, we aim to deliver tangible improvements in municipal services, environmental sustainability, and quality of life for Ukrainian citizens.” 

Increased Swedish support for Nefco’s work in Ukraine 

Sweden’s total support to Nefco for green recovery efforts in Ukraine amounts to SEK 700 million. In addition to funding for WM4U, this support also covers decentralisation initiatives through the Sida-funded Polaris programme (implemented by SALAR International), as well as other projects supporting the green transition. 

Following this new allocation, Sweden’s total support to Nefco’s Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine amounts to approximately SEK 890 million. 

For more information, please contact: 

Avfall Sverige, International Project Manager 
andrik.mols@avfallsverige.se
+46 70 535 66 37 

SALAR International
Vitaly Artyushchenko, Program Manager, Nefco
vitaly.artyushchenko@nefco.int
+358 50 9112427 

Lia Oker-Blom, Communications Manager, Nefco 
lia.oker-blom@nefco.int
+358 10 6180 671 

Emma Wendel, Press Officer, Acting Sida Press Service 
emma.wendel@sida.se
+46 76 495 57 46 

 Waste Management for Ukraine – WM4U 

The programme Strengthening of Municipal Waste Management in Ukraine (2024–2027) is a comprehensive development initiative funded by Sida and led by Avfall Sverige in cooperation with SALAR International, the international arm of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR).

The programme aims to develop municipal waste management in Ukraine in line with EU standards, promote environmental sustainability and climate protection, and improve quality of life for the Ukrainian population. In its first phase, the programme will be implemented over 38 months. Read more at: www.wm4u.org.ua/en/

About Nefco 

Nefco, the Nordic Green Bank, is an international financial institution (IFI) established in 1990 by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Nefco accelerates the green transition by financing the initial scaling of Nordic, innovation-driven green solutions in global markets. In addition to its paid in capital, Nefco manages several trust funds on behalf of public donors to support small and medium-sized green projects. As a pioneer in green finance, Nefco finances only projects that deliver positive environmental or climate impacts. Nefco focuses on investments with clear scaling potential and where its financing provides genuine added value. Nefco’s work is guided by Nordic priorities and Vision 2030, the EU Green Deal, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Nefco expects more than financial returns – it expects impact. 

Over the years, Nefco has implemented more than 1,700 private and public projects across various sectors worldwide. Nefco’s headquarters is located in Helsinki, Finland. Read more at: www.nefco.int 

About Sida 

Sida – the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – is a government authority working to create better living conditions for people living in poverty and under oppression worldwide. Sida operates on behalf of the Swedish Government and Parliament, and its activities are funded through Swedish tax revenues. Read more at: www.sida.se 

About SALAR International 

 As part of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), SALAR International work globally to strengthen democracy and good governance at the local level. Building on SALAR´s expertise and Swedish experiences on local self-governance and decentralisation, SALAR International designs and implements projects with context-specific solutions to the challenges and realities in partner countries. The vision is a world where all people have the power to shape their own lives in inclusive local democracies and sustainable communities. Read more at www.salarinternational.se