Eco-solutions: Kyiv introduces Refill system to reduce plastic waste

Kyiv has joined the global Refill movement to decrease the reliance on one-time-use plastic among its residents. This project is being implemented in the capital thanks to a partnership between the Department of Environmental Protection and Adaptation to Climate Change of the Kyiv City State Administration and the non-profit organization LUN City.

Volodymyr Prokopiv, Deputy Chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration, announced this.

What is the problem?

Expert estimates show that only 10-15% of single-use plastic is recycled worldwide yearly. In 2019, a whopping 130 million tons of single-use plastic were simply discarded around the globe. This translates to 59 kilograms of waste per person in Australia, 53 kg in the USA, 37 kg in Japan, 34 kg in Canada, and 23 kg in Italy.

In Ukraine, bags, plastic packaging, and boxes are commonly used in various industries. However, a major downside of plastic is its slow biodegradation.

In landfills, plastic can be stored for decades, and during the burning of plastic, dioxins and other organic decomposition products, harmful to humans, are released into the air.

What is the solution?

"Kyiv joins the campaign, which has more than 335,000 Refill points worldwide. This is an important step in the fight against plastic pollution," the deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration said.

The capital has become part of the global Refill movement aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastic among city dwellers.

"The state of the environment is an important component of a comfortable life in the city. The Refill campaign allows everyone to contribute to reducing the use of plastic. As an urban research project, we are happy to contribute to the emergence of this important initiative in Kyiv," LUN City curator Anna Denysenko commented.

Director of the Department of Environmental Protection and Adaptation to Climate Change, Oleksandr Vozny, also expressed hope for the active participation of local businesses and residents in the project.

"Since its launch in 2015, the Refill movement has helped save more than 60 million plastic water bottles. We call on local businesses to join the campaign by registering for free in the application or via the link, and Kyiv residents to actively use the Refill application and refuse excess plastic," Vozny added.

How does it work?

According to Prokopiv's report, the Refill application lets you locate the closest establishment where you can refill your eco-friendly water bottle for free, bring your thermos for coffee, or use a lunch box for food.

In addition, the application displays city pumps and fountains for drinking water.

Currently, the Refill application in Kyiv is in test mode.

Gradual additions will be made to establishments and locations that have pump stations and fountains. Currently, the application is only available in English, but a Ukrainian version will be released soon.

Local businesses wishing to join the campaign as Refill stations can fill out a special form.

For reference:

The charity City to Sea in the UK launched the Refill movement, which initially aimed to provide free access to drinking water but eventually evolved into a worldwide initiative.

Today, the Refill campaign is active not only in the UK but also in Italy, Ecuador, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Chile.

It's important to mention that Ukraine is planning to prohibit the manufacturing, importing, introducing, and distributing a variety of disposable plastic items, including dishes, cotton swabs, and straws.