An audit conducted by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) covering 2021-2024 revealed significant deficiencies in Bulgaria’s management of hazardous waste. The report identified five regions—Blagoevgrad, Vidin, Gabrovo, Sliven, and Smolyan—that currently lack proper disposal facilities for hazardous waste originating from households, industry, and healthcare. The audit, focused on the Ministry of Environment and Water, noted that while hazardous waste volumes increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023, Bulgaria’s per capita generation rate (2,246 kg in 2022) remains significantly higher than the EU average of 266 kg.
Furthermore, the BNAO highlighted that the country faces ongoing regulatory challenges, evidenced by nine infringement procedures launched by the European Commission related to waste management directives. The report concluded that overall progress in managing these risks is limited. Key systemic weaknesses cited include the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy and insufficient planning within the National Waste Management Plan for industrial sources.
Municipal-level failures were also noted, with 42% of local violations attributed to illegal dumping and nearly 29% of large municipalities lacking designated collection points for household hazardous waste. In response, the BNAO issued seven recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Water, setting a deadline of March 1, 2027. The comprehensive audit report has been submitted to the European Commission and INTOSAI, stressing the urgent need for improved coordination and infrastructure upgrades to effectively contain environmental and public health risks associated with waste disposal.
Topics: #hazardous #waste #audit
