A recent audit conducted by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) covering the period 2021–2024 revealed significant deficiencies in the management of hazardous waste across Bulgaria. The report identified five regions—Blagoevgrad, Vidin, Gabrovo, Sliven, and Smolyan—that currently lack adequate disposal facilities for hazardous waste generated by households, industry, and healthcare sectors. The audit, which focused on the Ministry of Environment and Water, noted that the volume of such waste increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023.
Furthermore, data cited in the report indicates that Bulgaria generates 2,246 kg of hazardous waste per capita, substantially exceeding the EU average of 266 kg. Systemic weaknesses were highlighted, including the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy and inadequate provisions within the National Waste Management Plan for industrial sources. Locally, the audit found that 42% of recorded violations by mayors related to illegal dumping sites, while nearly 29% of municipalities with populations over 10,000 had not established designated collection points for household hazardous waste.
Internationally, the BNAO noted that the European Commission had initiated nine infringement procedures concerning waste management directives. Regarding operational deficiencies, the audit recorded a 41% rise in hazardous waste imports for recovery between 2021 and 2024. The BNAO issued seven
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