An audit report released by the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) covering 2021 to 2024 identified significant deficiencies in the management of hazardous waste across Bulgaria. The report found that five regions—Blagoevgrad, Vidin, Gabrovo, Sliven, and Smolyan—currently lack adequate treatment facilities for hazardous waste generated by household, industrial, and healthcare sources. The BNAO audit highlighted that the volume of hazardous waste increased from 13.7 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 16 tonnes in 2023.
Furthermore, the report contrasted Bulgaria’s per capita generation rate of 2,246 kg of hazardous waste with the EU average of 266 kg. Systemic issues were noted, including the absence of a parliamentary-approved national environmental strategy and inadequacies within the National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028 concerning industrial sources. The audit also reviewed Bulgaria’s compliance record, noting nine infringement procedures launched by the European Commission related to waste directives.
At the local level, the report cited that 42% of violations recorded by mayors concerned illegal dumping sites, and nearly 29% of municipalities with populations over 10,000 lacked designated collection points for household hazardous waste. In conclusion, the BNAO stated that overall 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 was submitted to both the European Commission and the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).
Topics: #hazardous #waste #audit
