The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria has adopted a decision to formally commit to the final disposal of all obsolete pesticides and plant protection products across the country. These measures will be implemented after the completion of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme in December 2029.
The issue of obsolete pesticides in Bulgaria dates back to the early 1990s, following the liquidation of former Agricultural Production Cooperatives (TKZS) and Agro-Industrial Complexes (APK). Over the years, two national disposal programmes have been carried out, resulting in the removal of more than 4,800 tonnes of expired pesticides and other plant protection chemicals.
Despite these efforts, 173 warehouses across the country still hold approximately 2,500 tonnes of unusable pesticides, plant protection products, and hazardous waste.
The current programme, “Monitoring, Control and Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides and Preventive Measures”, is part of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme – the Second Swiss Contribution aimed at reducing economic and social disparities between EU Member States. It builds on the measures undertaken during the previous programming period and aims to ensure comprehensive clean-up and safe disposal of accumulated hazardous substances.
Once the programme concludes in December 2029, funding for the remaining clean-up, remediation, and mixed waste treatment activities will be covered entirely by the Bulgarian side. Taking this commitment was a mandatory requirement before signing the Agreement under the programme.
With this decision, the Council of Ministers guarantees the sustainability of the measures and ensures that, after 2029, the country will continue working towards the complete elimination of obsolete pesticides, thereby protecting both the environment and public health.