An audit conducted by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) covering 2021–2024 revealed significant deficiencies in the management of hazardous waste across Bulgaria, posing environmental and public health risks. 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 sectors. The audit, which reviewed the Ministry of Environment and Water, noted that the volume of hazardous waste increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023.
Furthermore, data cited in the report indicated that Bulgaria generated 2,246 kg of hazardous waste per capita in 2022, significantly exceeding the EU average of 266 kg. Systemic weaknesses were also highlighted. The BNAO pointed to the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy, leaving policy without a long-term framework.
Local governance issues include 42% of violations related to illegal dumping sites, and nearly 29% of large municipalities failing to provide designated collection points for household waste. The audit documented that the European Commission had initiated nine infringement procedures against Bulgaria regarding waste directives. While the report noted a 41% increase in hazardous waste imports for recovery between 2021 and 2024, it concluded that overall progress in waste management remains limited.
The BNAO issued seven recommendations to the Ministry, setting an implementation deadline of March 1, 2027.
Topics: #hazardous #waste #audit
