Swedish mega project strengthens Ukraine recovery

Sida, Avfall Sverige and SALAR have signed an agreement for implementing the programme Strengthening of Municipal Waste Management in Ukraine (2024–2027), representing a long-term initiative aimed at helping to transform municipal waste management in Ukraine and adapt to EU standards. The programme amounts to SEK 160 million and will be implemented by SALAR International and Avfall Sverige.

Responding to the Ukrainian government's appeal for assistance the programme is designed to support Ukraine's reforms of municipal waste management. Funded by Sida, the programme also seeks to align Ukraine's municipal waste management practices with EU standards and rules, with major benefits for environmental sustainability, climate protection and quality of life for Ukrainian citizens.

The program is part of Sweden's response to Ukraine's need for support in several areas, of which waste management is one. The overall goal of this program is to improve waste management in Ukraine, which contributes to limiting climate impact, increased resource efficiency, strengthening the circular economy, environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for all.

The programme  is rooted in a strategic partnership between Avfall Sverige and SALAR/SALAR International, leveraging Swedish expertise for efficient, innovative, and sustainable waste management with a strong commitment to local democracy. Consultants, municipalities, manufacturers, etc. will be involved in the implementation and in co-operation with corresponding Ukrainian and international actors. The initiative aligns with both the Strategy for Sweden’s Recovery and Reform Cooperation with Ukraine 2023–27 and the EU integration process, with particular emphasis on the green transition and sustainable development.

• This initiative will bring significant benefits for the environment, sustainability, climate protection and the quality of life of Ukraine's citizens. It is in line with both Sweden's and the EU's strategies to support Ukraine, with a particular focus on the green transition and sustainable development. The engagement of municipalities is crucial in this endeavour, and their efforts will be a key factor in achieving these goals," says Tony Clark, CEO of Avfall Sverige.

A systemic multi-level reform  for better municipal waste management

The programme's rationale stems from a comprehensive situational analysis revealing critical challenges in Ukraine’s waste management sector. These include an over-reliance on landfills, inadequate recycling, and the absence of coherent national waste management strategies and planning guidelines. The aim is to catalyse a systemic multi-level reform that introduces more efficient waste collection, recycling, and sustainable waste treatment practices across Ukrainian municipalities.

• In a unique way, the program combines SALAR´s extensive experience in supporting municipalities and the decentralisation reform in Ukraine with Avfall Sverige's cutting-edge expertise in the waste management sector. Together with Sida's long-term support and commitment, this gives us excellent conditions to contribute to the necessary improvement of waste management in Ukraine” says Ryan Knox, CEO at SALAR International.

Implementation strategy with a focus on Multi-Level Governance and Capacity building

The programme will lead to concrete improvements in municipal waste management throughout Ukraine, with a particular focus on the pilot municipalities The programme's implementation strategy revolves around two pillars:

Strengthening Multi-Level Governance in Waste Management: enhancing policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and intergovernmental coordination to support effective national and local implementation of waste management reforms.

Capacity Building at Local and Regional Levels: empowering municipalities through targeted technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and infrastructural support to implement sustainable waste management practices.

An important part of the strategy involves piloting innovative waste management models in selected clusters of municipalities, thus fostering inter-municipal cooperation and transferring Swedish knowledge, experience, and operational expertise. The programme also prioritises inclusivity, ensuring that interventions accommodate the needs of diverse communities and contribute to gender equality and social inclusion.

• By harnessing Swedish expertise and fostering a collaborative multi-level governance approach, this programme aims to lay the ground for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Ukraine, aligning with European standards and contributing to the country's broader environmental, climate and developmental goals, says Pontus Förberg, project manager at SALAR International.

Contact:

Pontus Förberg, Programme Manager at SALAR International, pontus.forberg@skr.se
Weine Wiqvist, Programme Manager at Avfall Sverige, weine.wiqvist@avfallsverige.se

SALAR International is a part of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions. We work globally to strengthen democracy and good governance at the local level.

---