The project
A key factor for the successful inter-municipal cooperation of the Ecoservice2022 waste association is increased economic efficiency. This means that the costs per tonne of waste disposed of in a regional system are lower for all participating units than the costs that each municipality would have to incur for its own services. In addition, raising public awareness of waste separation also plays an important role in the efficient recycling of reusable materials.
With over four decades of experience, the Bergische Abfallwirtschaftsverband has developed from a waste disposal centre into a centre of innovation. The BAV’s tried and tested expertise in the operation, technology, financing and management of waste disposal services can support the young company EcoService2022 in its development.
Objectives
EcoService2022 is the first joint waste management authority in Ukraine. EcoService2022 therefore also aims to create a successful concept and exemplary pilot project for inter-municipal co-operation in the waste sector for Ukraine.
The company has set itself the following goals:
- Establishment of a separate waste collection system covering the entire population of the municipalities.
- Involvement of the commercial sector, which generates a large proportion of recyclable materials.
- Provision of household waste disposal services by one operator for all municipalities.
- Creation of a single waste collection centre for all participating municipalities.
- Creation of a waste management system that is attractive to companies that implement the principle of “extended producer responsibility”, i.e. taking responsibility for the disposal of packaging and materials.
In the initial phase of its activities, EcoService2022 serves the 22 settlements of the four municipalities with a total population of around 20,000 inhabitants. The company currently has ten employees. The planned establishment of a joint landfill for the four municipalities will lead to an increase in the company’s tasks and thus its workforce.
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Approach
The following preliminary focus areas, in which both partners have a common interest, have been identified:
- Business development / development strategies
- Data, software and monitoring systems
- Tariff systems and payment processing
- Landfill management
- Environmental education and public relations
Due to the Russian war of aggression, visits to Ukraine are not possible under the current conditions. Therefore, the focus of the cooperation will be on process-orientated consulting through virtual exchange.
A 5-day study visit to the BAV was organised in December 2023. This enabled good partnership relations to be established and thematic focal points of the partnership to be specified and prioritised.
Political decision-makers (e.g. the mayors of the participating municipalities) took part in the study visit, as did core staff from EcoService2022.
A 10-day job shadowing/short internship programme for a group of EcoService2022 employees is planned for the first or second quarter of 2024. The group could be divided into several subgroups depending on their role and function and the learning objectives.
Last Update: January 2024
Impressions
