Learning Community in Bulgaria

The CE Learning Community in Bulgaria has a general approach to CE that focuses on materials, society and culture and water.

The materials in the CE context are the subject of study at the partner UMG. On the one hand, through the prism of circular business models, the basis of which is a detailed consideration of waste. On the other hand, through attempts at circularity of critical raw materials and metals.

The production of plastics in primary form in Bulgaria in 2019 amounted to 175,000 tons, while the production of plastic products is significantly larger and exceeds 500,000 tons. The significant production of plastic products in the country provides an opportunity to invest in recycled plastics. The country has long-standing traditions and experience in recycling plastic waste.

Bulgaria has a low level of recycling of construction and demolition waste. Unregulated disposal of this type of waste continues to be a practice in the country. The lack of a platform for the exchange of information and good practices does not allow making a connection between the sources of formation of different types of construction and demolition waste, the availability of different types of recycled construction materials at the regional recycling facilities and the construction sector in the country.

The amount of biomass and bio-based products, such as solid agricultural waste, in the country is estimated at over 2 million tons per year. The current practice of not recovering much of this agricultural waste is a waste of a processing and manufacturing resource. The lack of a platform for the exchange of information and good practices does not allow a connection between the sources of biomass formation in the country and producers and processors who would like to utilize the available biomass in the production of various products.

The mining and processing industry and metallurgy in Bulgaria are very well developed and provide a major contribution to the national economy. Some of the raw materials of critical importance for the EU are present on the country’s territory as primary minerals and other components are found as isomorphic impurities in the minerals of other minerals. Exploration of the potential for extraction of critical raw materials in the exploitation of existing deposits and in future exploration activities can lead to significant economic benefits.

Regarding food waste from households, very little is currently diverted from landfills. Introduction of mandatory separate collection of bio-waste from households, simultaneously with the completion of the municipal systems for the treatment of bio-waste, will allow the utilization of about 200,000 tons of food waste per year.

For the focus area of society and culture, consumers need to be aware of their choices and their long-term effects so that the circular economy will work in their favour. The daily choice of products and services determines the future of generations to come. The circular economy will stimulate consumers to take advantage of the opportunity to make informed choices and take an active part in the ecological transition. Reliable, comparable and verifiable product information will be a significant factor in enabling more sustainable solutions.