Ukraine to Introduce the Nordic Waste Labelling System
Ukraine is preparing to adopt the Nordic waste labelling system, a model already used across Sweden and several other EU countries to guide citizens in proper waste sorting and recycling. The initiative marks another important step towards harmonising Ukraine’s waste management practices with European standards.
The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine has announced its intention to implement the unified system of waste symbols. This system provides clear and consistent visual guidance for separating waste by material type – using recognisable pictograms, colours and terminology that make recycling easier for households, businesses and local authorities alike.
The idea to introduce the Nordic labelling system in Ukraine emerged during a study visit of Ukrainian municipalities to Sweden earlier this year, organised within the framework of SALAR International and Avfall Sverige´s WM4U Programme. During the visit, Ukrainian representatives observed how Sweden has successfully implemented the unified pictogram system to standardise public communication and ensure that waste sorting information looks the same across the country – from households and schools to collection points and recycling centres.
While a significant share of household waste in Ukraine still ends up in landfills, the country is now moving towards a circular economy approach. The upcoming implementation will also facilitate better cooperation between municipalities, waste operators and citizens, creating a shared visual language that strengthens trust and efficiency in waste management.