Ukraine Takes Steps to Manage Waste and Promote Recycling
Date: 2023-10-19 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: ECONOMY
Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Victoria Kyreyeva, revealed in an interview with Ukrainian Radio that the country is addressing its waste problem through the introduction of the "Waste Management" framework law. This law aims to clearly define what should be recycled and what can be disposed of, providing opportunities for investment in the sector.
Kyreyeva explained that the law includes financial instruments, such as an environmental tax on waste disposal. The Ministry of Ecology is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the tax authorities to draft amendments to the law, fostering a public discussion about these changes.
Another significant tool in the waste management strategy is the "polluter pays" principle. A bill regarding waste from packaging and containers has been registered in the Ukrainian Parliament, covering a wide range of waste materials, including plastic bottles, paper, wrappers, glass, and aluminum cans. This law introduces a complex but effective system for waste management, which has proven successful in Europe. It will be initially implemented for selected types of waste and expanded over time to include batteries, electronic equipment, tires, lubricants, and even the recycling of vehicles.
Kyreyeva highlighted that the regulatory framework for these tools is gradually being established, and new requirements for landfills and waste disposal sites are being developed. Previously, local authorities would select waste transporters and allocate funds for waste disposal without a comprehensive waste management plan. However, the new approach involves creating a National Waste Management Plan, followed by regional waste management plans and, finally, local waste management plans for communities.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the introduction of an environmental tax on waste disposal will include a coefficient, differentiating the tax rate for those who collect and dispose of unsorted waste from those who sort their waste. This differentiation incentivizes waste sorting and creates a market for recycling. With the rise of recycling, it is expected that local and national budgets will receive additional funding for environmental projects, enabling local authorities to improve waste collection infrastructure.
Furthermore, Kyreyeva pointed out that the responsibility of producers will increase with the adoption of the "Packaging and Container" law. According to this law, producers will be required to collect a certain amount of their products and ensure they are recycled. Failure to do so will result in substantial fines. This approach will encourage producers to reduce the packaging on their products, making them more environmentally friendly.
Kyreyeva explained that the law includes financial instruments, such as an environmental tax on waste disposal. The Ministry of Ecology is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the tax authorities to draft amendments to the law, fostering a public discussion about these changes.
Another significant tool in the waste management strategy is the "polluter pays" principle. A bill regarding waste from packaging and containers has been registered in the Ukrainian Parliament, covering a wide range of waste materials, including plastic bottles, paper, wrappers, glass, and aluminum cans. This law introduces a complex but effective system for waste management, which has proven successful in Europe. It will be initially implemented for selected types of waste and expanded over time to include batteries, electronic equipment, tires, lubricants, and even the recycling of vehicles.
Kyreyeva highlighted that the regulatory framework for these tools is gradually being established, and new requirements for landfills and waste disposal sites are being developed. Previously, local authorities would select waste transporters and allocate funds for waste disposal without a comprehensive waste management plan. However, the new approach involves creating a National Waste Management Plan, followed by regional waste management plans and, finally, local waste management plans for communities.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the introduction of an environmental tax on waste disposal will include a coefficient, differentiating the tax rate for those who collect and dispose of unsorted waste from those who sort their waste. This differentiation incentivizes waste sorting and creates a market for recycling. With the rise of recycling, it is expected that local and national budgets will receive additional funding for environmental projects, enabling local authorities to improve waste collection infrastructure.
Furthermore, Kyreyeva pointed out that the responsibility of producers will increase with the adoption of the "Packaging and Container" law. According to this law, producers will be required to collect a certain amount of their products and ensure they are recycled. Failure to do so will result in substantial fines. This approach will encourage producers to reduce the packaging on their products, making them more environmentally friendly.
