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Waste management system in South Bulgaria
Published on 14 June 2021
Bulgaria
Yuzhen tsentralen
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The efficient waste management system in the municipalities is a key factor for implementation of resource efficiency policy and circular economy strategies.
Main reason to create Ecoresource Ltd, 100% municipal owned, is to improve the waste management system of seven municipalities - Harmanli, Madjarovo, Lyubimets, Topolovgrad, Simeonovgrad, Svilengrad and Stambolovo and to reduce the amount of recyclable waste that is disposed on the landfill so that municipalities comply with environmental legislation. The company operates an installation for waste treatment at the regional landfill for non-hazardous waste, Harmanli. The company’s activities include waste treatment, sorting, baling, sale of separated recyclable waste for subsequent recycling and separation of RDF.
The acceptance of the waste takes place according to a pre-specified schedule on the basis of a written contract. Upon acceptance a visual inspection, measurement and electronic registration of the amount of waste is performed. The data is used to report information on waste for the municipal and national database. At the end of 2020, Ecoresource started the operation of two mobile centers to collect different type of waste from the households. It includes metal, glass, paper, plastic, obsolete electrical and electronic equipment, hazardous household waste - packaging of detergents, expired medicines, old thermometers, batteries, textile, etc. Stakeholders involved: municipalities, citizens, companies...
Main reason to create Ecoresource Ltd, 100% municipal owned, is to improve the waste management system of seven municipalities - Harmanli, Madjarovo, Lyubimets, Topolovgrad, Simeonovgrad, Svilengrad and Stambolovo and to reduce the amount of recyclable waste that is disposed on the landfill so that municipalities comply with environmental legislation. The company operates an installation for waste treatment at the regional landfill for non-hazardous waste, Harmanli. The company’s activities include waste treatment, sorting, baling, sale of separated recyclable waste for subsequent recycling and separation of RDF.
The acceptance of the waste takes place according to a pre-specified schedule on the basis of a written contract. Upon acceptance a visual inspection, measurement and electronic registration of the amount of waste is performed. The data is used to report information on waste for the municipal and national database. At the end of 2020, Ecoresource started the operation of two mobile centers to collect different type of waste from the households. It includes metal, glass, paper, plastic, obsolete electrical and electronic equipment, hazardous household waste - packaging of detergents, expired medicines, old thermometers, batteries, textile, etc. Stakeholders involved: municipalities, citizens, companies...
Expert opinion
Over 60% of household waste is still sent to landfill in certain EU states, which is why improvement of waste management and high recycling targets have been high on the European agenda in recent years. The Waste Framework Directive sets a target to increase re-use and recycling of municipal waste to a minimum of 55 % by 2025. Special targets are in place for different types of waste, such as packaging, organic, electronic, etc. As presented in this good practice, an implementation of a robust system has led to increase of 25% in separate waste collection. Many European cities and regions can find inspiration in this good practice, especially the ones who are finding it hard to reach the EU targets.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The total investment for the installation under the project is EURO 1,7 million. Sources of funding are the State Budget and а National Fund PUDOOS – Enterprise for management of activities for environmental protection. Ecoresource employees 36 people. The capacity of the facility is 25,000 t/year
Evidence of success
Existing waste management facilities are efficiently maintained. The quantity and quality of the recycling materials is increasing annually: +25% separate waste collected compared to the previous period. The company is financially independent and operates with its own funds and covers all its expenses with the realized revenues. The established waste collection enterprise with possibility for further recycling of the different waste streams align circular economy and waste management objectives.
Potential for learning or transfer
The experience on developing appropriate municipal waste management policy is good achievement that should be shared with other municipalities. Good management is not matter of financial resources, than human resources and smart planning and implementation of appropriate measures for every different waste stream, different urban areas, and different neighborhoods. The problems with wastes are very common for all parties and having complex approach to these problems is a basis for good achievements and higher satisfaction of customers.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Euro Perspectives Foundation
Bulgaria
Yugozapaden
Contact
Director programes