11–13 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) is generated every year in Ukraine. A per capita annual volume constitutes about 300 kg with the significant difference observed between urban and rural areas. The growth in waste generation is linked to the increase in society welfare, given a correlation between dynamics of GDP per capita and specific waste generation. According to various sources, an MSW recycling level in Ukraine varies from 3 to 8 percent, while in the European Union countries it is up to 60 percent of MSW. That said, more than 90 percent of MSW is forwarded to landfills and unauthorized dumps. According to official estimates, 10,000 ha² of land is covered by approximately 6,700 landfills and dumps, though unofficial numbers may be even higher.

 

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the sustainable potential of the MSW management sector in Ukraine by analyzing experience abroad and modeling various development scenarios for the country. The study considers institutional and economic arrangements that would help realize the waste recycling potential in the most efficient manner.