An audit conducted by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) covering the 2021–2024 period 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 facilities for treating hazardous waste generated by households, industry, and healthcare sectors. The BNAO audit highlighted that hazardous waste volumes increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023.
Furthermore, data cited in the report indicates that Bulgaria generated 2,246 kg of hazardous waste per capita in 2022, substantially exceeding the EU average of 266 kg. Beyond infrastructure gaps, the audit noted systemic weaknesses in policy implementation. The report pointed to the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy and suggested the National Waste Management Plan requires improvement, particularly regarding industrial hazardous waste sources.
Municipal compliance is also a concern, with violations frequently cited by mayors related to illegal dumping and failure to establish proper household hazardous waste collection points. The audit also documented that Bulgaria has faced nine infringement procedures from the European Commission regarding waste management directives. In conclusion, the BNAO stated that progress in managing hazardous waste remains limited.
The institution issued seven recommendations to the Ministry of Environment and Water, setting a deadline for implementation by March 1, 2027. The comprehensive audit report has been submitted to both the European Commission and INTOSAI.
Topics: #hazardous #waste #audit
