An audit conducted by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) covering 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 lack necessary disposal facilities for hazardous waste generated by residential, industrial, and healthcare sources. The audit noted that the volume of such waste increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023.
Furthermore, international comparisons highlight a substantial disparity, with Bulgaria generating 2,246 kg of hazardous waste per capita in 2022, significantly exceeding the EU average of 266 kg. Systemic weaknesses were also identified, including the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy. The auditors pointed out that the current National Waste Management Plan does not adequately address industrial sources of hazardous waste, which constitute the primary material stream.
Governance issues are evident at local levels, where 42% of mayoral violations concern illegal dumping sites, and nearly 29% of large municipalities lack designated collection points for household hazardous waste. The report also documented a 41% increase in the imports of hazardous waste for recovery between 2021 and 2024. The BNAO found that progress in waste management remains limited, citing ongoing issues related to the “polluter pays” principle.
The Office issued seven recommendations to the Ministry of Environment and Water, setting a deadline for implementation by March 1, 2027. The full audit report has been submitted to the European Commission and INTOSAI.
Topics: #hazardous #waste #audit
