Recycling and the Environment in Bulgaria
Where Bulgaria stands
- The Ministry of Environment puts the household waste recycling rate below 17%, against an EU average of about 48%, and more than half of waste still goes to landfill.
- Packaging waste is recycled at a higher rate, about 58% overall and 39.5% for plastic.
- Bulgaria’s circular material use rate was 4.9% in 2021, against an EU average of 11.7%. The European Environment Agency rated Bulgaria at high risk of missing the 2025 recycling targets.
Source: FACHPACK: Country profile Bulgaria (2026); European Environment Agency: Circular economy country profile, Bulgaria 20241,3
Targets
| Year | Target |
|---|---|
| 2030 | 60% of household waste prepared for recycling or reuse |
| 2035 | 65% of household waste recycled; no more than 10% landfilled |
Source: BTA: By 2030, 60% of household waste must be prepared for recycling (12 October 2026, in Bulgarian); FACHPACK: Country profile Bulgaria (2026)2,1
Packaging and the deposit system
Source: FACHPACK: Country profile Bulgaria (2026)1
In April 2026 the Ministry of Environment published a draft amendment to the Waste Management Act to introduce a deposit return system for drinks containers.1
Funding and opportunities
The Environment Programme has a €172 million measure for 236 municipalities in 48 regional associations to build and expand separate collection and recycling of biodegradable waste. Municipalities are also moving to a new “polluter pays” waste fee.2
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the household waste recycling rate in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria’s household waste recycling rate is below 17%, compared with about 48% across the EU, and more than half of its waste still goes to landfill.
What are Bulgaria’s household waste recycling targets for 2030 and 2035?
Bulgaria’s household waste targets are to prepare 60% for recycling or reuse by 2030, then recycle 65% and landfill no more than 10% by 2035.
How much packaging waste is recycled in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria recycles about 58% of its packaging waste overall and 39.5% of plastic packaging waste, compared with a household waste recycling rate below 17%.
How much packaging was placed on the market in Bulgaria in 2024?
Packaging placed on the Bulgarian market totalled 458,236 tonnes in 2024. Paper and cardboard accounted for 140,191 tonnes, while plastic accounted for 139,807 tonnes.
What funding is available for separate waste collection in Bulgaria?
The Environment Programme has a €172 million measure for 236 municipalities in 48 regional associations to build and expand separate collection and recycling of biodegradable waste.
Has Bulgaria introduced a deposit return system for drinks containers?
Bulgaria has not yet introduced a deposit return system for drinks containers; in April 2026, the Ministry of Environment published a draft amendment to the Waste Management Act proposing one.
Sources
- FACHPACK: Country profile Bulgaria (2026)
- BTA: By 2030, 60% of household waste must be prepared for recycling (12 October 2026, in Bulgarian)
- European Environment Agency: Circular economy country profile, Bulgaria 2024 (PDF)
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
