An audit report released by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) concerning hazardous waste management between 2021 and 2024 reveals significant deficiencies in Bulgaria’s waste infrastructure. The report identifies five regions—Blagoevgrad, Vidin, Gabrovo, Sliven, and Smolyan—that currently lack adequate facilities for treating hazardous waste generated by households, industry, and healthcare sectors. The BNAO audit, which reviewed the Ministry of Environment and Water, noted that hazardous waste includes materials exhibiting properties such as flammability or toxicity.
While mining and radioactive waste were excluded from this specific audit, the report highlights concerning trends. According to data cited, the volume of hazardous waste increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023. Furthermore, the audit contrasted Bulgaria’s generation rate of 2,246 kg of hazardous waste per capita with the EU average of 266 kg.
The investigation pointed to systemic weaknesses, including the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy. Furthermore, the National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028 was deemed insufficient in addressing industrial hazardous waste, a primary source. Local compliance issues were also noted, with nearly 29% of municipalities over 10,00
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