A recent audit by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) concerning hazardous waste management highlighted significant deficiencies across the country. The report found that five regions—Blagoevgrad, Vidin, Gabrovo, Sliven, and Smolyan—lack adequate facilities for the proper disposal of hazardous waste generated by households, industry, and healthcare sectors. The audit, which covered the 2021–2024 period, reviewed the Ministry of Environment and Water.
According to the findings, the volume of hazardous waste increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023. Furthermore, data cited from Eurostat indicated that Bulgaria generates 2,246 kg of hazardous waste per capita in 2022, substantially higher than the EU average of 266 kg. The BNAO noted that while mining and radioactive waste were excluded from this specific audit, systemic issues persist.
The report detailed nine infringement procedures previously launched by the European Commission regarding waste directives, noting that progress remains limited. Key weaknesses identified include the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy and inadequate planning within the National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028, which fails to sufficiently address industrial hazardous waste sources. Municipal-level compliance was also scrutinized, revealing that 42% of violations by mayors related to illegal dumping sites.
Additionally, nearly 29% of municipalities with populations exceeding 10,000 residents have not established designated collection points for household hazardous waste. The BNAO has submitted the audit report, containing seven recommendations, to the European Commission and the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), setting a deadline for implementation by March 1, 2027.
Topics: #hazardous #waste #audit
