PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT ROADMAPS: INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDIES

Abstract

The article examines the potential of project management tools for developing a roadmap for reform and modernization of the waste management system in Ukraine, taking into account international experience. The current state of the sector is characterized by critical challenges: more than 90% of municipal solid waste is landfilled, much of it in sites that do not meet environmental requirements; the level of recycling and sorting remains below a few percent; and the infrastructure is underdeveloped. Additional barriers include slow implementation of new legislation, insufficient funding, limited public participation in separate collection, and low efficiency of state governance. At the same time, Ukraine’s integration into the European legal and economic space necessitates the creation of a systematic and transparent reform roadmap. The article analyzes international practices in waste management, particularly in Germany, Poland, Sweden, Japan, the United States, and Canada. These cases demonstrate the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach combining strict regulation, financial incentives for businesses, development of modern infrastructure, application of recycling and waste-to-energy technologies, and the promotion of environmental awareness among citizens. Special attention is paid to the principles of the circular economy and extended producer responsibility, which are successfully functioning in EU countries and can be adapted to the Ukrainian context. Cluster analysis was applied to systematize the problems and identify reform priorities, including improving legal regulation, developing sorting and recycling infrastructure, implementing innovative technologies, enhancing economic efficiency, strengthening municipal policies, and encouraging public participation. Modern project management tools are proposed for different stages of reform: SWOT analysis and stakeholder analysis at the planning stage; Agile/Lean, WBS, and Kanban for task execution; and KPI and Balanced Scorecard for monitoring outcomes. The findings demonstrate that integrating project management tools into the waste management sector creates conditions for systematic planning, optimal resource allocation, performance control, and risk reduction. Adapting international experience while considering Ukrainian socio-economic realities will allow for the creation of an effective reform roadmap that promotes environmental safety, increases the competitiveness of the national economy, and supports the achievement of sustainable development goals.