Lozova receives first donation from Sweden
Uppsala Municipality donates 191 waste bins to Lozova in the Kharkiv region. This is the first donation within the WM4U – Waste Management for Ukraine initiative and a concrete step to improve waste management in the war-affected Ukrainian municipality.
Four municipal clusters in Ukraine – Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Lozova, and Kremenchuk – are partnering with four clusters in Sweden. A total of around 15 Swedish municipalities are involved and are now preparing donations, including over 5,000 waste bins and several garbage trucks. Additionally, efforts are underway to engage more EU countries in the support initiatives.
“Waste management may not feel like a priority during wartime in Ukraine, but it plays a crucial role in the recovery and well-being of society. Waste bins are a simple yet necessary part, and Uppsala Vatten och Avfall is pleased to donate used but fully functional bins to Lozova. We hope that more municipalities see the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative,” says Vita Ivanova, Uppsala Vatten och Avfall.
Håkan Gustafsson, donation coordinator for WM4U, emphasizes the importance of cooperation:
“When we extend a helping hand across borders, we build bridges of hope. Donations of waste equipment to Ukraine are more than just a gift from Swedish municipalities – they are a clear demonstration of our commitment to creating sustainable waste management in Ukraine and a more sustainable Europe.”
"International cooperation makes a difference"
The delivery of the bins to Lozova is just the beginning. The next step is to develop a sustainable waste management plan and create an environmental cluster together with neighboring municipalities.
Serhii Zelenskyi, Mayor of Lozova, expresses his appreciation for the support:
“Environmental issues are among our highest priorities. We are working to improve the quality of life for our residents and create sustainable development opportunities. The collaboration with international partners allows us to implement important changes more quickly and effectively.”
Sustainable development through knowledge exchange
In addition to materials and technical equipment, WM4U will also offer training and expert support to strengthen the municipalities' capacity. This may include everything from waste management plans to tax systems and communication. Through the collaboration with Swedish municipalities, Ukrainian cities will not only gain resources but also access to expertise and modern working methods – an important part of Ukraine's path to a more sustainable future.
About the project
WM4U is a project funded by Sida and implemented by Avfall Sverige and SALAR International. One of the most concrete initiatives within the program is the donation of equipment from Swedish municipalities to Ukrainian municipalities. The goal is to ensure Ukraine's waste management system meets the EU requirements. This can be achieved by increasing collection, reducing the number of illegal landfills, and improving technical capacity through the provision of waste bins, containers, and garbage trucks. It is also achieved by strengthening administrative work.
For more information about the donations, please contact Håkan Gustafsson.
Senast uppdaterad - 2025-03-28