International Zero Waste Day

Today we celebrate the importance of sustainable waste management and protecting our planet!

Did you know that according to recent studies, the main sources of plastic pollution in the Bulgarian waters of the Black Sea are the cities of Varna and Burgas, as well as the Kamchia and Danube rivers?

Plastic waste, which is not properly managed, reaches 2,750 tons per year in the 20-kilometer coastal zone alone!

The main sources are households and tourist areas. Plastic bottles, cigarette butts and plastic packaging are among the most common waste that pollutes the environment..

In addition, textile waste also contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Discarded clothing often contains synthetic fibers that are difficult to break down and pollute both soil and water. The pursuit of sustainable textile consumption is key to reducing environmental impact.

Towards Zero Waste: Sustainable Textile Waste Management

Almost 7 million tonnes of textile waste is generated in the EU every year, with only a small percentage being reused or recycled. But from the beginning of 2025, Member States had to introduce separate collection systems for textiles. The most sustainable solution is reuse, which brings environmental and socio-economic benefits – creating jobs and providing access to affordable clothing. However, improving sorting and recycling capacity is key to avoiding landfilling and incineration of textile waste.

According to 2020 data, Bulgaria ranks seventh in the European Union in terms of waste generation per capita. On average, each Bulgarian generated 16,700 kg of waste, which is significantly above the EU average of 4,815 kg. These data highlight the need for more effective waste management measures and the promotion of sustainable practices.

For a circular future, we need to focus on better collection systems, harmonized waste definitions, and innovative recycling techniques.