Bulgarian authorities consider implementing a Deposit Return System for beverage containers. Minister of Environment, Mr. Manol Genov announced the elaboration of the specific legislation by the end of 2025.
At PRIA Environment Bulgaria Conference from May 14th 2025, the stakeholders from the industry have sent the same message: DRS is a solution for reaching Bulgaria’s environmental targets and it needs a comprehensive legislative framework and an optimum DRS design.
Doinița MIHAI – Vicepresident, Public Affairs Eastern Europe South, TOMRA, stated: “TOMRA is the go-to collaborator and strategic partner for business, authorities and NGOs and a key driver in the transformation to a circular economy. TOMRA’s experience extends beyond developing and managing technology…Our presence in more than 100 markets gave us the possibility to witness and be part of building different waste management systems and helped us gain expertise that we would like to share it with our partners.”
In the context of new obligations set by the PPWR, governments and brand owners look at integrated solutions built on extended producer’s responsibility, like EPR schemes and DRS programs. For implementing such solutions a developed legislative framework is required. “When looking at the EPR ecosystem we cannot stress enough the role of the legislator by elaborating a strong, comprehensive legislative framework to set the standards, set the goals and align the vision of all the stakeholders within the EPR ecosystem.”, Doinita Mihai also stated.
To reach a 90% collection target and to create high accessibility for the consumers, the DRS needs a solid infrastructure built on the retail infrastructure. “The role of the retailers is extremely important as they are the interface of the system with the consumers and actually this is the most visible part of the DRS. In the existing deposit systems, most of the collected quantities are returned through automated infrastructure. The consumers send a clear message that they prefer to return the packaging through automated solutions.” mentioned Doinita Mihai during the conference.
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