Waste management in the circular economy: Status and challenges in Ukraine

Abstract

During the study, the goal was achieved, namely, to assess the current state of the waste management system in Ukraine and to develop recommendations for its improvement based on the principles of a circular economy. Methods of analysis and synthesis were employed to examine the problem, enabling the evaluation of the theoretical foundations of the circular economy and the principles of waste management. The method of statistical analysis was used to collect and analyse empirical data, while the modelling method was employed to predict possible scenarios for the development of waste management by 2025. The results of the study demonstrated that Ukraine’s economy remains largely dependent on a linear model, characterised by the creation of products without consideration for further processing. This is confirmed by the increase in the waste intensity of gross domestic product (GDP), which indicates the absence of significant changes in the adoption of resource-efficient technologies. The stable share of recycled and incinerated waste (20%-25%) against the background of an increase in the total volume of generated waste indicates a lack of changes in waste management technologies and policies, as well as an underdeveloped recycling infrastructure. The growth in the volume of generated waste per unit of GDP demonstrates a tendency towards reduced resource efficiency in the economy, while the number of waste management infrastructure facilities has concurrently declined. The methodological approach described in the research ensures transparency of the research process, thereby allowing it to be replicated using similar methods and data sources.