Ukraine’s environmental legislation is undergoing a major transformation.
With the adoption of the Law on Waste Management, any company producing clothing or textiles is now officially classified as a waste generator. This means that textile scraps or defective products that cannot be repurposed must be documented and transferred only to an officially licensed waste processor with the appropriate permit.
The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, though its impact is often overlooked. Consumer attitudes toward textile products lead to massive textile waste accumulation in landfills, dumpsites, water bodies, forest strips, and shorelines. This waste does not decompose naturally or break down safely in the environment at a rate that would be sustainable and harmless.
Beyond legal requirements, implementing circular economy principles and responsible production is not only part of a global sustainability strategy but also a real opportunity to reduce costs, optimize resources, and build a positive environmental reputation for businesses.
Since August 9, 2023, Ukraine has been enforcing the new Waste Management Law, fundamentally changing how waste is recorded and processed. The National Waste List (Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1102) now categorizes waste into 20 groups, distinguishing between hazardous waste (marked with an asterisk) and non-hazardous waste.
If your company produces or uses textile materials, it is officially recognized as a waste generator. Simply disposing of textile scraps or transferring them without documentation is illegal.
✅ Registration in the “EcoSystem” – a state registry tracking all waste.
✅ Transferring waste only to licensed processors with the required permits.
✅ Submitting an Annual Waste Declaration (by February 20) if:
• You generate more than 50 tons of non-hazardous waste per year.
• You generate at least 1 kg of hazardous waste.
It is crucial to understand that the new requirements apply to all businesses in the textile sector.
To eliminate illegal disposal of textile waste, Ukraine has launched the state digital platform “EcoSystem”, where all waste generators and processors must be registered.
- Reporting periods include the calendar quarter and year, as well as any permit-specific deadlines.
- Quarterly reports must be submitted by the 20th of the month following the reporting period.
- Annual reports must be submitted by January 20 of the following year.
Businesses risk fines or even losing their operating licenses.
Without official documentation confirming the proper transfer of textile waste, companies cannot complete their environmental reporting.
Failure to submit reports for two or more periods may result in:
🔹 Administrative fines
🔹 Reputational damage
🔹 Increased unplanned inspections from regulatory authorities
For textile exporters, it is essential to address waste accounting and recycling solutions now, as EU regulations are becoming stricter, and compliance deadlines are becoming shorter.
✔ Verify your registration in the “EcoSystem” and update your environmental documentation.
✔ Find a licensed textile waste processor.
✔ Implement circular economy solutions to reduce waste volume.
The new waste management rules are not just restrictions. they offer a chance to shift towards a more sustainable production model. Companies that adapt early will not only avoid fines but also gain a competitive advantage through circular solutions.
Re:inventex is an officially licensed textile waste processor, specializing in the recycling of textile and garment industry waste. We help businesses to integrate sustainable solutions and comply with new environmental standards.
Our experts provide professional environmental audits and full waste management support. If you are looking for efficient textile waste management solutions, contact us, and together we will make your production more sustainable!
