There is an option! And it is an ecological approach to waste management in Bulgaria

Waste management is one of the key aspects of environmental policy in Europe and Bulgaria. In 2024, there are significant changes and news in legislation aimed at improving systems for dealing with unnecessary waste and reducing its negative impact on the environment. At the European level, new conditions based on the concept of circular economy place emphasis on recycling and reuse of materials, with EU Member States having to increase recycling rates to 65% by 2035, which is also triggering active action in Bulgaria.

In 2024 a new law was introduced in Bulgaria, which includes strict measures to reduce waste generation and increase recycling. The law focuses on separate collection and encourages local authorities to develop plans that meet European standards. An important aspect of the new legislation is the promotion of innovation in various sectors: in the retail sector, an increasing number of shops and supermarkets are implementing reusable packaging systems.Initiatives such as 'return the bottle' and 'plastic-free' stands offer customers the opportunity to receive discounts when returning packaging, thus being part of the global idea to save the world and make it a cleaner and more pollution-free place to live.

Significant changes have also been observed in the construction sector. Many construction companies are starting to use recycled materials in their projects. The recycling of construction waste has become a major trend, where old concrete blocks and bricks are recycled and used in new constructions. This not only reduces the amount of waste generated but also offers economically viable solutions for construction. This year, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works announced a new funding programme for projects related to the use of sustainable materials and technologies in construction, further encouraging innovation in the sector.

Unfortunately, when it comes to organic waste, Bulgaria still has a lot of work to do, but some municipalities are already implementing successful practices. Cities such as Plovdiv and Varna have implemented composting programmes for organic household waste. Residents receive composters and training on how to process household rubbish, which not only reduces the amount of rubbish but also offers a valuable resource for gardens. This shows that with the right information and support, local authorities can change citizens' attitudes and improve efficiency in tackling a given problem.

Statistics from 2023 show that Bulgaria continues to generate a significant amount of garbage - about 400 kg per person per year. Although recycling rates for plastics and glass are increasing, there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of construction and organic non-recyclable materials. Challenges faced by local authorities include insufficient infrastructure for separate collection and recycling as well as low public awareness of the importance of these processes.

Experts stress that the key to success is the education of the population and the active participation of citizens.Awareness programmes and separate collection campaigns are essential to change people's habits. More and more organisations and initiatives are getting involved in such causes, and some schools are already including the topic in their curricula, encouraging children to be environmentally responsible from an early age.

Waste management in Bulgaria in 2024 is at a crossroads, with new legislative moves in different sectors offering hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future. However,,in order to achieve real change in the way we treat pollution and unwanted items and rubbish, active commitment is needed from all concerned - from state institutions to citizens. With cooperation and education, we can build better environmental outcomes.

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