Ukraine plans new approach to managing war-related debris

Ukraine is considering the introduction of a full life-cycle approach to managing debris generated by wartime destruction, addressing everything from generation to the reuse of recovered materials.

Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Economy following a round table entitled Coordination Event on the Management of Destruction Waste, organised jointly with the Debris2Resources project consortium (EU-supported LIFE programme)

Details: The event's participants discussed the need to introduce pre-demolition audits to assess material composition and safety risks, establish a network of authorised waste-processing sites, and develop efficient logistics systems – all essential to a functioning recycling economy.

"Destruction waste is not only a challenge but also a potential resource for reconstruction. Our task is to create clear rules, strengthen coordination between authorities and local communities, and ensure the safe and efficient management of these materials," said Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

For reference: The issue of debris is one of the most complex challenges in Ukraine's post-war recovery. Millions of tonnes of rubble often remain mixed and unclassified, while local communities are forced to cope with a lack of data, the absence of unified regulations and heightened safety risks, particularly the possible presence of explosive ordnance and hazardous materials such as asbestos.

Background: Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has helped clear 1 million tonnes of debris in Ukraine.

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