The Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management”: main provisions and requirements for businesses and communities

In 2022, the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” came into force in Ukraine, which became a key stage in the reform of environmental legislation and the harmonization of Ukrainian norms with European standards. The law defines the legal, organizational and economic principles of activities in the field of waste management, and also establishes new requirements for enterprises, local governments and citizens.

Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management”Закон України “Про управління відходами”

What is waste management?

According to the law, waste management is a set of measures for the collection, transportation, processing, recovery and disposal of waste, including supervision of such operations and maintenance of waste disposal facilities.

The document also defines the main concepts in the field of waste:

• household waste;
• hazardous waste;
• construction waste;
• recycling;
• separate collection;
• waste recovery;
• landfills;
• waste treatment facilities.

Main objectives of the law

The main objectives of state policy in the field of waste management are:

• protection of human health and the environment;
• reduction of the negative impact of waste;
• implementation of the waste management hierarchy;
• development of a system of extended producer responsibility.

One of the basic principles of the law is the “polluter pays” principle, according to which the generator or owner of waste covers the costs of its collection, transportation and treatment.

Waste management hierarchy

The law establishes a clear hierarchy of waste management, which determines the priority of actions:

• Waste prevention.
• Preparation for reuse.
• Recycling.
• Waste recovery, including energy production.
• Waste disposal.

This approach meets modern European environmental standards and is aimed at minimizing waste disposal in landfills.

Separate collection and recycling

The law pays special attention to separate waste collection. In settlements, separate collection must be ensured for:

• paper and cardboard;
• plastic;
• glass;
• metal;
• biowaste and other categories of waste.

Separately collected waste cannot simply be burned or buried if it is suitable for reuse or processing. This stimulates the development of recycling and reuse of materials.

Obligations of enterprises

Enterprises and organizations whose activities result in the generation of waste are obliged to:

• prevent the generation of waste;
• keep records of it;
• classify waste;
• transfer waste only to licensed business entities;
• ensure safe storage;
• submit waste declarations;
• develop waste management plans.

In addition, business entities in the field of waste management must have appropriate permits and licenses to carry out activities, especially when it comes to hazardous waste.

Producer responsibility

The law introduces a mechanism for extended producer responsibility. This means that producers of certain products are responsible for the waste generated after the use of their goods.

The system applies, in particular, to:

• packaging;
• electronics;
• batteries and accumulators;
• car tires;
• lubricants;
• textiles.

Producers must organize the collection and processing of such waste or finance appropriate systems.

New requirements for communities and local governments

Local governments are responsible for organizing household waste management systems in their communities. The law provides for:

• creation of local waste management plans;
• organization of separate collection;
• control over landfills;
• cooperation with business entities in the field of waste processing and disposal.

Communities also receive more powers in the field of control and organization of management of unclaimed waste.

Why this law is important

The adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” is an important step for:

• reducing the environmental burden;
• developing the recycling industry;
• implementing a modern sorting system;
• reducing the number of natural landfills;
• bringing Ukraine closer to European Union standards.

For businesses, this means new requirements for environmental responsibility, and for communities, the opportunity to create a more effective and safe waste management system.

Conclusion

The Law “On Waste Management” forms a new model of waste management in Ukraine, focused on environmental safety, resource recycling and minimizing waste disposal. Compliance with its requirements is important for both businesses and local governments and citizens.

In the coming years, the development of separate collection, recycling and modern waste management infrastructure will become one of the key areas of Ukraine’s environmental modernization.