Ministry of Education and Science: The deposit system in Bulgaria can become operational in 2026

The Ministry of the Environment and Water is working to introduce the deposit system of packaging waste in 2026. According to the Ministry's estimates, the activities carried out so far and the goals set, a deposit system can be started in our country in 2026. With this, Bulgaria will meet the requirements of the European Commission (EC) regarding the timing and minimum requirements for systems for the take-back of beverage packaging waste. This is stated in a message from the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW).

Earlier today, the ecological association "For the Earth" submitted a signature to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications with the insistence that the commitment for a national deposit system for glass, metal and plastic beverage packaging be fulfilled sooner.

The requirements of the EC, foreseen in the draft regulation on packaging, are to ensure separate collection of at least 90% per year of plastic bottles and metal containers for single-use drinks by 2029. This requirement can be achieved precisely through the introduction of a deposit system. In order to be effective and operational, good European practices show that at least two years are needed for the provision of complete infrastructure and changes in national legislation.

The MoEW reports that a working group has been formed, in which representatives of all interested parties, such as the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, producers of soft drinks and beer, traders, organizations for the recovery of packaging waste, the National Association of Municipalities, as well as non-governmental organizations, participate. represented by the association "For the Earth". The working group holds regular meetings, actively discussing both the legislative changes that will be necessary to determine an operator of the deposit system, as well as the type, logistics and infrastructure of the system itself.

The working group considered that it is necessary to conduct complementary research to determine the logistics flows, collect and analyze operational and technical data. The study will provide clarity on the logistical and functional architecture of a deposit system for beverage packaging in Bulgaria along with successive steps for its introduction and the relevant deadlines for the implementation of the necessary measures.

In connection with this, the Ministry of Education and Science has awarded a public contract with the subject "Introduction of a new model for the separate collection of packaging waste in Bulgaria". Its implementation will provide the necessary clarity on the main points related to the choice and justification for the choice of the deposit system model. A proposal will be made describing the organization of the deposit system in the country. This research will be the basis for supplementing the legal framework, as the specific model and way of functioning of the system will already be determined, the announcement says.

The deadline for the execution of the order is three months from the conclusion of the contract, i.e. until July 8, 2024. After the presentation of the result by the contractor to the working group, it will proceed to the preparation of all proposals to amend the Law on Waste Management and the by-laws.

All these activities give reason for the MoEW to confirm the already stated commitment to start the deposit system in the country in 2026, which also fulfills the requirements of the EC for the systems for the return of waste from beverage packaging, says the conclusion of the announcement of the ministry.