The project is a continuation of the pilot composting program implemented in 2002 – 2004 by Tundzha, Elhovo and Bolyarovo. The successful implementation of the pilot resulted in its further replication in Phase V of the Program, with the assistance of BAMEE specialists and the environmental experts of Tundzha and Bolyarovo. To provide for better use of the composting techniques and for the successful dissemination of project results, experts from MOEW and from NGOs were recruited.

The municipalities that implemented the project have reduced the quantity of solid waste disposed at landfills. The greater portion of the organic component was separated from the overall waste flow. This helped not only meet the modern environmental and legislative requirements, but also provide a valuable material that may be used to improve soil quality .

The technology is simple: open-air windrow composting. It meets completely the needs of the small communities and is consistent with project objectives. All municipalities have purchased containers which were located at the composting sites for the purpose of solid waste separation. The sites were cleaned and leveled . In many cases, the municipal environmental experts have planted fast-growing vegetation to designate the composting sites and, at a later stage, to serve as a natural fence. The results were better where there were guards and where an adequate information campaign was organized, preceding the implementation of the program. The need of shredding equipment was apparent in municipalities where orchards and gardens generate a significant quantity of waste. The optimal option is to provide small shredders at each site, or larger mobile equipment .

The project proved that solutions that are not expensive or complex may be used to achieve good results in solid and agricultural waste management .

Project replication covered 19 new municipalities. In 2005 – 2006, Maritsa, Sliven, Chirpan, Panagyurishte, Karlovo, Radnevo, Pravets, Rakovski, Knezha and Straldzha successfully implemented composting programs and established 16 composting sites. By the end of 2007, Varshets, Hisarya, Veliki Preslav, Smyadovo, Novi Iskur (Sofia), Rodopi, Pazardzhik and Kaloyanovo are also expected to introduce composting programs .

Six information seminars were organized for the environmental experts of the municipalities included in the program. Each municipality under the project has organized an information campaign. Some 12,500 leaflets were published and disseminated to that end. Many of the municipalities used the local media for the purposes of the information campaign. As a whole, the residents demonstrated understanding and cooperated in waste separation .

Compost is available at the sites for use by the residents. The sites have signage and some are even guarded .

Contacts:

Nikolay Sidzhimov

Executive Director, BAMEE

1, Stoil Voyvoda Sq ., 8800 Sliven

+ + 359 888 57 7973, + + 359 44 610 888