2025-05-28

Today, waste containers from Sweden reached Ukraine

A transport of 240 1,000-liter waste containers rolled into the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk today. 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.

Multi-year assignment

The work is being carried out within the framework of WM4U – Waste Management for Ukraine – Avfall Sverige and Salar International’s assignment by Sida to strengthen Ukraine’s municipal waste management. The program runs until 2027 and focuses on sustainable solutions, in line with EU standards and goals for a circular economy.

An urgent need that must be addressed is Ukraine’s lack of modern waste management equipment. Much of the existing equipment is outdated, in poor condition or has been destroyed in the war. Spare parts are lacking and the need for support is great.

To meet this, Avfall Sverige, in collaboration with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), is calling on Swedish municipalities and private actors to donate usable equipment that is no longer in use. This could include garbage cans, containers, vehicles, work machines and other transport equipment. The equipment must be tested and in working order upon delivery. The transport to Ukraine is handled via MSB’s logistics system, where ownership is transferred to a receiving municipality in Ukraine.

– Through donations and knowledge exchange, Swedish actors can make a tangible contribution to Ukraine’s reconstruction – while sustainable solutions are disseminated more widely internationally. The transport of containers to Kremenchuk is co-financed by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (ERCC), which classifies the delivery as humanitarian aid. This shows the importance of Swedish support, says Tony Clark.

Uppsala first out

This is the second donation within the framework of WM4U and a concrete effort to improve waste management in Ukraine. In March, Uppsala Municipality donated 191 waste containers to Lozova in the Kharkiv region.

Avfall Sverige’s news: Lozova receives first donation from Sweden

Senast uppdaterad - 2025-05-28