An audit report released by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) covering the period 2021–2024 reveals that five Bulgarian regions—Blagoevgrad, Vidin, Gabrovo, Sliven, and Smolyan—lack necessary facilities for the proper disposal of hazardous waste. The audit, which reviewed the Ministry of Environment and Water, assessed the management of hazardous waste generated by households, industry, and healthcare, noting that waste properties include flammability, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. The report highlights significant concerns regarding waste volumes and national compliance.
According to the BNAO, the volume of hazardous waste increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023. Furthermore, data cited in the audit indicate that Bulgaria generated 2,246 kg of hazardous waste per capita in 2022, substantially exceeding the EU average of 266 kg. Systemic weaknesses were identified, including the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy.
The auditors noted that the National Waste Management Plan 2021–2028 does not adequately address industrial hazardous waste, which is a primary source. Local governance issues were also prominent; 42% of recorded violations involved illegal dumping sites, and nearly 29% of municipalities with over 10,000 residents lacked designated collection points for household hazardous waste
Topics: #hazardous #waste #audit
This audit highlights a serious public health and environmental oversight that needs immediate government attention.
What are the immediate steps the Bulgarian government plans to take to equip these regions with the necessary hazardous waste disposal facilities?