Innovative practices in Bulgaria
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Integrated Waste Management Program
Vratsa NGO Center
Background
In 1996, Vratsa Municipality and the neighboring Mezdra Municipality won the competition organized by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MoE) and were selected as Pilot Cities for the purposes of the National Waste Management Program. In that framework, a Regional Solid Household Waste Management Plan was developed, covering the period until 2010, and an experiment was launched in divided garbage collection. Furthermore, the two Cities contributed to national policies by developing a Regional Solid Waste Depot conforming to EU standards. The follow-up to these initiatives is an updated and expanded version of the 1996 Regional Plan in the form of a City-Level Integrated Waste Management Program.
In 1996, Vratsa Municipality and the neighboring Mezdra Municipality won the competition organized by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MoE) and were selected as Pilot Cities for the purposes of the National Waste Management Program. In that framework, a Regional Solid Household Waste Management Plan was developed, covering the period until 2010, and an experiment was launched in divided garbage collection. Furthermore, the two Cities contributed to national policies by developing a Regional Solid Waste Depot conforming to EU standards. The follow-up to these initiatives is an updated and expanded version of the 1996 Regional Plan in the form of a City-Level Integrated Waste Management Program.
Practice
The Program was developed by the Vratsa NGO Center and the Okolchitsa 97Young Environmentalist Society in accordance with Article 28 of the Act on the Mitigation of the Harmful Environmental Impact of Wastes. The two entities signed an agreement with the City of Vratsa on the basis of a competitive request for services. Input for program development was provided by the Waste Management Programming Guidelines issued jointly by the British Council, the Regional Environmental Center for Bulgaria and MoE.
The Program s main objective is to set up and environmentally sound and cost-effective waste management system. This comprehensive approach to the waste management issue, in line with national policies, local conditions, and best practices, is the first of its kind in the Region.
The geographical closeness of Vratsa and Mezdra, their similar problems in terms of waste disposal and infrastructure development, and their shared understanding of the need to protect soil and water resources, motivated the two local governments for a co-operative effort in waste management.
The Program covers the collection, transportation, storage and disposal of household and construction waste, and the monitoring of industrial and hazardous waste disposal in the Vratsa territory until the year 2010.
The Program objectives and strategies are based on an analysis and assessment of the Region s geographical, administrative, demographic, economic and general environmental characteristics, and are in harmony with the national policies and priorities. Based on the Program, an Action Plan sets forth the concrete waste management tasks and measures.
The Program was developed by the Vratsa NGO Center and the Okolchitsa 97Young Environmentalist Society in accordance with Article 28 of the Act on the Mitigation of the Harmful Environmental Impact of Wastes. The two entities signed an agreement with the City of Vratsa on the basis of a competitive request for services. Input for program development was provided by the Waste Management Programming Guidelines issued jointly by the British Council, the Regional Environmental Center for Bulgaria and MoE.
The Program s main objective is to set up and environmentally sound and cost-effective waste management system. This comprehensive approach to the waste management issue, in line with national policies, local conditions, and best practices, is the first of its kind in the Region.
The geographical closeness of Vratsa and Mezdra, their similar problems in terms of waste disposal and infrastructure development, and their shared understanding of the need to protect soil and water resources, motivated the two local governments for a co-operative effort in waste management.
The Program covers the collection, transportation, storage and disposal of household and construction waste, and the monitoring of industrial and hazardous waste disposal in the Vratsa territory until the year 2010.
The Program objectives and strategies are based on an analysis and assessment of the Region s geographical, administrative, demographic, economic and general environmental characteristics, and are in harmony with the national policies and priorities. Based on the Program, an Action Plan sets forth the concrete waste management tasks and measures.
Results
Under the Program, the first phase of the Regional Waste Depot project has just started, which will be operated jointly with Mezdra. The City has contracted a loan from MoE for the introduction of new solid waste containers and vehicles. On a phased basis, the solid waste disposal system will cover all communities in the Vratsa territory.
The City has set up a Solid Waste Commission and, jointly with Mezdra, a Regional Solid Waste Council. The City Council has passed an Ordinance concerning the organization and funding of solid waste disposal.
Last but not least, the initiative has resulted in valuable partnership experience between the local government and the NGO sector.
Under the Program, the first phase of the Regional Waste Depot project has just started, which will be operated jointly with Mezdra. The City has contracted a loan from MoE for the introduction of new solid waste containers and vehicles. On a phased basis, the solid waste disposal system will cover all communities in the Vratsa territory.
The City has set up a Solid Waste Commission and, jointly with Mezdra, a Regional Solid Waste Council. The City Council has passed an Ordinance concerning the organization and funding of solid waste disposal.
Last but not least, the initiative has resulted in valuable partnership experience between the local government and the NGO sector.
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