Sofia — The company responsible for separate waste collection in Bulgaria’s capital, Ecobulpak AD, has announced its intention to stop collecting recyclable materials from colored containers in 18 districts of Sofia.
The notification, received by Mayor Vasil Terziev on November 4, drew an immediate and strong reaction from City Hall, which described the move as “unacceptable” and “arbitrary.”
According to the municipality, the suspension will affect nearly all central and residential neighborhoods, including Vazrazhdane, Lozenets, Sredets, and Mladost. Ecobulpak will continue operating in only a few areas such as Vitosha, Ovcha Kupel, Iskar, and Kremikovtsi.
The dispute stems from a recent incident in which Ecobulpak reportedly tried to deliver four tons of recyclable materials to the Sofia Waste Treatment Plant (SWTP), claiming it was household waste. After laboratory tests confirmed otherwise, the plant refused the delivery. City officials believe the rejection triggered the company’s withdrawal.
Municipal authorities stressed that disposing of recyclable materials as waste is entirely unacceptable and poses significant environmental risks. They have called on the Ministry of Environment and Water to ensure that all recovery organizations fulfill their legal obligations.
The controversy coincides with Sofia’s ongoing waste management reforms. In the Lyulin district, where the municipality temporarily organized its own collection system, 35 tons of recyclable waste were gathered in a single week — nearly double the usual amount. City Hall cited this as proof that the new system, combined with tighter oversight, is effective.
Officials argue that Ecobulpak’s decision lacks any contractual basis and appears to be an attempt to pressure the administration. They suggest that stricter monitoring and more frequent servicing may have led to discontent among private operators.
Sofia Municipality insists its recycling strategy aims for greater transparency, accountability, and reduced landfill waste — goals that will not be compromised by private pressure. The city’s statement emphasized its commitment to upholding environmental standards and protecting public interests.
In 2025 alone, revenues from recyclable material sales at the SWTP exceeded 1.75 million leva, nearly five times higher than in 2023. City Hall says this demonstrates the success of the new waste management model and its benefits for both residents and the environment.
The municipality has also taken legal action against recovery organizations opposing new regulations designed to improve recycling performance. “We will not allow private interests to undermine Sofia’s path toward sustainability and a recycling-oriented future,” the statement concluded.