Ukraine launches waste euro-reform: what will change for communities

The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine has signed Memorandums of Cooperation with the Ukrainian Packaging and Environmental Coalition and the Recopack Association. This is the start of a pilot project to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) in the packaging sector according to European standards.

Every year, over 3 million tons of packaging waste accumulates, but only a tiny fraction of it is recycled. Why? Because there is no permanent financial support and appropriate infrastructure.

This pilot project will help attract new investments in waste management, increase the volume of packaging recycling, promote the development of processing, and reduce the import of secondary raw materials. It will also simplify work for our country's communities by creating a transparent and efficient system.

As soon as the pilot ends, recommendations based on its results will help the Ministry of Economy develop a national EPR system and bring Ukrainian legislation closer to EU standards.

As part of the pilot project, cooperation with the Ukrainian Packaging and Environmental Coalition and the Recopack Association is planned to implement European standards in waste management. The prospects of this cooperation lie in increasing the number of recycled packages, which will positively impact the environment and be a step towards improving waste management in Ukraine.