The waste management system of Ukraine, is being reformed to bring it in line with European standards for the use of the material and energy potential of waste. Selection of the optimal system should be based on the statistical representativeness of the results of a detailed analysis of the morphology of the municipal waste of each locality in accordance with the socio-economic profile of individual zones of the city and the seasons of the year, as well as the energy and environmental characteristics of the waste. But there are no standards for determining of energy characteristics of municipal solid waste in the country. This paper shows results of characteristics research of municipal solid waste in Cherkassy city carried out in accordance with the new approaches. A methodology for determining the humidity, net calorific value and ash content of municipal solid waste is developed. The results of experimental studies of humidity, calorific value and ash content for 8 components of waste: paper, cardboard, composite materials, textiles, hygiene products, plastic, other combustible materials, wood shavings are presented. Humidity is also determined in organic residues and in fine fractions. The results of the research are used to develop an integrated waste management and recycling system in Cherkassy.