The so-called tax on non-recycled plastic packaging was introduced in the EU in 2021. Under this regulation, Member States owe EUR 0.80 per kilogram of non-recycled waste. Calculations by the Center for European Policies show that if Bulgaria continued to leave some of its waste unprocessed, it would owe more than 20 million euros a year.

This country is in the process of preparing for the introduction of a deposit-return system,  Deputy Minister of Environment Nikolay Sidzhimov says. Talks have already been held with all potential participants and the principle of operation of the system in our country is currently being discussed:

"I guess we will introduce the standard model that other countries in Europe have already introduced. In this way we will respond to the challenges posed by both European requirements and our responsibility as citizens. The experiments that are being made now are more of a demonstration. The aim is to see how the system works and based on the analyzes we would prepare the possible options that could be applied in Bulgaria. After that we would start implementing the deposit system itself."

The introduction of a deposit-return system for plastic and glass packaging is enshrined in the coalition agreement of the country's ruling parties. The Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov said in the National Assembly that the large retail chains have promised to introduce machines for returning plastic bottles. Such machines already exist under pilot projects in some municipalities and in some of the large retail chains.

The culture of separate waste collection has a long tradition in Bulgaria, Nikolay Sidzhimov has told the BNR's Hristo Botev program. According to him, people are aware that the goal is to achieve a closed waste-free cycle and protect nature:

"We start with assessment of the load on the system and of the distribution of reception points and machines. I assume that by the end of this year we would have a clear picture and at the same time we are already working on proposals for some changes in the legislation. I hope that in the beginning of 2023 we will be able to introduce the new system."

The system for separate waste collection is not alien to the Bulgarians, who in the recent past used to return glass bottles and jars to points of purchase. Currently, many grocery stores and restaurants keep a deposit on glass bottles.

The older population in Bulgaria is used to returning glass waste, but among the younger people a wider information campaign is needed, says Evgenia Tasheva, coordinator in the team "Zero Waste" of the Bulgarian environmental non-governmental organization "For the Earth".

"62% of participants said they approve of the introduction of a deposit-return system and just 9% said they oppose it. The others do not have enough information in order to have an opinion. It is also important to point out that 82% of respondents are willing to return their bottles to the store if there was a deposit on them. This means that if people are well-informed, approval becomes widespread.”

Editor: Darina Grigorova /based on interviews by BNR - "Hristo Botev"/

English: Alexander Markov