БЕНЧМАРКІНГ-АНАЛІЗ МОДЕЛЕЙ ВЗАЄМОДІЇ ОСНОВНИХ СТЕЙКХОЛДЕРІВ СИСТЕМИ УПРАВЛІННЯ ВІДХОДАМИ

This article explores models of stakeholder interaction within regional waste management systems in Ukraine. Using functional benchmarking, the study compares five regions – Lviv, Kyiv, Sumy, Zakarpattia, and Dnipro – each of which demonstrates distinct dynamics, institutional development, and levels of civic and business engagement. The goal is to identify interaction patterns that lead to tangible improvements in waste governance and can be adapted across other regions. The analysis shows that effective systems are characterized by a balance of responsibilities, open communication between actors, and ongoing support from local communities and international partners. Among the regions studied, Lviv stands out for its well-coordinated efforts involving local authorities, businesses, utilities, academic institutions, and the public. The synergy of these sectors has led to systematic improvements in infrastructure, awareness, and international cooperation. At the same time, other regions reveal individual strengths. For example, Dnipro shows strong institutional frameworks, while Kyiv’s public utilities demonstrate operational resilience. However, their integration into long-term planning remains limited. Sumy and Zakarpattia represent cases where civic engagement is sporadic and institutional coordination weak, yet they still offer isolated but valuable practices. The benchmarking approach used in this research highlights not only what works but also under what conditions certain models succeed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of context-sensitive solutions rather than uniform replication. The findings underline the need for flexible regional strategies that build on local assets while aligning with national environmental goals. This study contributes to a better understanding of how to structure effective stakeholder cooperation in waste management and suggests that sustainable progress is possible when diverse actors are involved in meaningful and transparent collaboration. The outcomes may inform future policy development and support knowledge transfer between Ukrainian regions facing similar challenges.