Abstract. The analysis delves into the specifications outlined in EU regulations concerning packaging and its treatment within the context of waste management. An assessment is made of the recycling rates pertaining to packaging waste across the EU’s member states. Concrete instances are furnished to exemplify proficient methods for effectively managing such waste in adherence to the principles of the circular economy. And although the EU has achieved high levels of recycling and waste recovery, the amount of packaging waste continues to grow year after year. As a result, the EU is actively immersed in the process of reevaluating its legislation, particularly within the domain of waste management. Central aspects of the newly introduced EU Proposal for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation are outlined including recyclability and reusability issues related to packaging waste treatment. For comparison, the situation with waste management in Ukraine is considered. Statistical data showing that the level of waste recycling and recovery is unsatisfactorily low are given. The main obstacles to achieving high rates of waste recycling are highlighted, as well as possible ways of more effective management of packaging waste in Ukraine are investigated. The need to adapt national legislation to EU legislation regarding the handling of packaging waste is emphasized, especially given Ukraine’s aspirations for European integration. The importance of the EU’s achievements in the field of waste management, in particular, regarding packaging waste, is emphasized as very relevant and instructive for Ukraine.