A recent survey conducted by the Russian Environmental Operator reveals a notable level of public satisfaction with municipal waste management, with 77% of Russians expressing contentment with how waste is handled. The finding, reported by the TV channel 360 and attributed to the REO’s general director Denis Butsaev, shows a year-over-year rise in approval and reflects a growing confidence in the country’s waste services.
In the previous year, 74% of respondents reported satisfaction with waste removal services. Butsaev notes that this metric could be pushed higher by pursuing simultaneous improvements across multiple aspects of the waste management chain, rather than concentrating efforts in a single area. This holistic approach is framed as essential for sustaining momentum in service quality and reliability.
One of the central strategies highlighted is the establishment of a robust waste traceability system. Modern sensors are being installed on garbage trucks to capture real-time data on collection routes and performance. In parallel, a dedicated driver-facing application has been developed to streamline operations, improve communication, and reduce delays. These technological steps are complemented by a state-supported program that funded the purchase of 154 thousand containers designed for separate collection, aimed at improving sorting accuracy at the source.
According to the survey results, the majority of Russians are aware of ongoing reforms in the solid waste management sector, with 73% indicating awareness of the changes and 96% understanding the basic principles of waste separation. This indicates strong public engagement and a broad foundation for continued reform efforts, positioning the country to advance reuse and recycling practices through informed citizen participation.
The study was conducted over the phone during May and June, surveying adults from 85 regions across the country. The breadth of participation underscores a nationwide interest in how waste services operate and how residents interact with the system, from collection to sorting and disposal. The data also reflect regional variations in service experiences and perceptions, which policymakers can use to tailor improvements to local contexts.
In a broader development, the autumn period will see the deployment of more than 9,000 waste collection trucks. The deployment is paired with the transfer of on-truck data to REO information systems, enabling centralized monitoring of waste movement across regions. Involvement spans 47 regions, creating a multi-regional network that supports real-time visibility into the solid waste lifecycle, from generation to end-use disposition. This integrated approach helps identify bottlenecks, track delays, and ensure accountability at every stage of the process.
There has also been political discussion about waste tariffs. A former proposal considered in the State Duma called for individual tariffs tied to the volume of waste generated, aiming to incentivize more efficient disposal practices and support the costs associated with improved infrastructure. This policy debate reflects an ongoing balance between consumer considerations and the capital needs of a modernized waste management system, as authorities seek to align incentives with environmental and public health goals.