240 Waste Containers From Sweden Delivered to Ukraine
A transport of 240 1,000-liter waste containers arrived to the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk last week. The delivery is part of WM4U – Avfall Sverige and SALAR International’s mission to strengthen waste management in the war-torn country.
The donated containers come from northwestern Skåne, Sweden. The containers became redundant when the regional waste company NSR switched to smaller containers with drop-off hatches in apartment buildings to reduce the amount of residual waste and increase sorting for material recycling.
" Waste management is an important part of the green transition – and an area where Swedish actors have a lot to contribute. As Ukraine prepares for reconstruction after the Russian invasion, opportunities are opening up for both municipalities and companies in Sweden to support the country. This can be done through donations of equipment, but also by spreading Swedish sustainable solutions for a more circular economy." says Tony Clark, CEO of Avfall Sverige.
A Multi-year Assignment
The initiative is part of WM4U – Waste Management for Ukraine – a program led by Avfall Sverige and SALAR International under assignment from Sida. Running through 2027, the program focuses on implementing sustainable waste management solutions aligned with EU standards and the goals of a circular economy.
One of the most pressing challenges is Ukraine’s severe shortage of modern waste management equipment. Much of the existing infrastructure is outdated, in disrepair, or has been destroyed during the war. Spare parts are scarce, and the overall need for support is urgent.
To help address this, Avfall Sverige, in collaboration with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), is appealing to Swedish municipalities and private actors to donate usable surplus equipment. This can include garbage bins, containers, vehicles, machinery, and other transport-related equipment. All donated items must be functional and tested prior to shipment.
Erik Faxgård, SALAR International Programme Director for Ukraine, notes that:
“...the interest of Swedish municipalities in donating waste management equipment to Ukraine under the WM4U program reflects their strong commitment to supporting Ukrainian municipalities. This echoes sweden´s broader engagement in municipal cooperation as seen in SALAR International´s Polaris programme, which has already established over 70 Ukraine-EU partnerships."
Uppsala Led the Way
This marks the second donation under the WM4U program and a tangible step toward improving waste management in Ukraine. In March, Uppsala Municipality contributed 191 waste containers to Lozova, located in the Kharkiv region.