Ukrainian visitors explored Swedish waste management

Western cluster: Kremenchuk learns in Gothenburg

Last week, an extensive study visits took place as part of the Sida-funded programme Waste Management for Ukraine( WM4U). Nearly 20 representatives from four Ukrainian municipal clusters visited their Swedish partner municipalities in the clusters around Stockholm, Gothenburg, Gävle, and Malmö.

The purpose of the visits was to provide a deeper insight into how municipal waste management is organised in Sweden – with particular focus on inter-municipal cooperation. The programmes included both theoretical and practical elements, such as site visits to facilities, lectures, and meetings with local politicians. Special attention was given to organisational structures, supervision and regulations, and methods for influencing citizens' behaviour towards increased sustainability.

“The Ukrainian participants showed great engagement and strong interest in Swedish solutions and experiences. For many of the visitors, it became clear that successful waste management is not only about technology and infrastructure but also about creating a well-functioning organisation, along with understanding and engagement from the residents,” said Tony Clark, CEO of Avfall Sverige, who runs the project in collaboration with SALAR International.

“Our Ukrainian municipal colleagues expressed great appreciation for the Swedish partner municipalities and the well-prepared programmes. They also spoke of the need for a knowledge boost on waste issues at several levels in Ukraine, as well as the strength of inter-municipal cooperation. It’s great to be able to contribute to this – in the midst of a full-scale war,” said Andrik Mols, project manager at Avfall Sverige.

“The visit was a great success, not only in its outcomes but also in fostering close and warm relationships between the Ukrainian and Swedish colleagues. This lays a strong foundation for fruitful and trust-based collaboration. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by all parties were truly heartwarming and bode well for the work ahead,” says Pontus Förberg, Program Manager at SALAR International.

The visit marked the actual start of the WM4U programme and has laid a solid foundation for continued cooperation between Swedish and Ukrainian stakeholders.

About WM4U
WM4U aims to support both national and local reforms in Ukraine's waste sector by strengthening institutional capacity, improving technical standards, and aligning the system with EU environmental standards. The study visit was a central part of this effort, enabling direct knowledge exchange between Swedish and Ukrainian municipalities.

The work is carried out on behalf of the Swedish government, following a direct request from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

More information
Anna-Carin Gripwall, Head of Communications, Avfall Sverige, +46 70 662 61 28
Gunilla Carlsson, Coordinator for South Cluster, +46 734 396
Tova Lustig, Coordinator for West Cluster, +46 500 498 089
Jonas Lyckeborg, Coordinator for East Cluster, +46 8 522 120 00
Eva Johansson, Coordinator for North Cluster, +46 70 167 56 34