Containerless system and consumer protection: updated rules for household waste management

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft resolution amending Resolution No. 835 of 8 August 2023. It concerns the regulation of household waste management services. The document was developed by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, taking into account the practice of applying regulations in communities and European standards.

The changes are aimed at improving the mechanisms for providing waste management services, ensuring consumer protection, and unifying approaches to determining the volume and cost of services.

In particular, the changes provide for updating the rules for the provision of services, taking into account different waste collection systems, in particular the containerless system and waste collection at the consumer's request. Requirements for the labelling of packaging and a list of information that local authorities and contractors must provide when using such systems are established.

The procedure for managing green waste — branches, leaves, cut grass — as well as the collection of hazardous waste as part of household waste is regulated separately. The mechanism for determining consumption rates and service volumes is clarified, allowing for the unification of local practices.

The consumer's right not to pay for the service in the event of temporary absence for more than 30 calendar days is also defined. To do this, it will be necessary to submit a corresponding application to the service provider. In turn, the service provider must make the appropriate recalculations.

The implementation of these changes will improve the quality and transparency of waste management services and ensure a balance between the interests of consumers and service providers.

In addition, the update of the regulatory framework is another step towards bringing the national waste management system in line with European Union standards.