Ukraine Introduces New Standards for Monitoring Waste Generation, Storage, and Disposal Sites — Government Approves Relevant Procedure

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a new Procedure regulating the environmental monitoring of sites where waste is generated, stored, and disposed of. This decision is part of a broader environmental reform aimed at establishing an effective national environmental monitoring system aligned with European practices.

The newly adopted Procedure outlines the key principles for organizing monitoring activities and clearly defines the interaction mechanisms between enterprises, institutions, organizations, and state or local authorities.

Who is required to carry out monitoring?

✅ Legal entities of any ownership form that generate or possess hazardous waste
✅ Owners of other (non-hazardous) waste, if annual waste generation exceeds 50 tons
✅ Local government authorities

For the first time, local self-government bodies have been officially included among the responsible entities. This will enable communities to:

▪️ Develop regional waste management plans
▪️ Engage in strategic planning to reduce waste generation, prevent pollution, clean up areas, and prepare waste for reuse, recycling, or recovery
▪️ Assess the need to close or establish new landfills and eliminate illegal dumpsites

Reporting via the EcoSystem platform

All entities covered by the Procedure are required to submit a Waste Declaration to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources via the “EcoSystem” electronic platform. The declaration must include:

– Volumes and locations of waste generation
– Storage sites prior to transfer for processing or disposal

Objects not covered by the new monitoring rules:

🚫 Waste accumulation sites with unknown ownership
🚫 Temporary storage of waste resulting from destruction (regulated by a separate Procedure — Cabinet Resolution No. 1073)
🚫 Facilities for temporary storage of untreated wastewater, if operated under a technological regulation

Expected outcomes of the new monitoring system:

🔹 Reduction in illegal dumpsites and unauthorized waste disposal
🔹 Improved waste processing and recycling through standardized practices
🔹 Increased environmental responsibility among businesses
🔹 Better environmental conditions and lower health risks for communities near waste sites
🔹 Legal harmonization with EU standards, contributing to sustainable ecological development in Ukraine