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Environmentally sound disposal of obsolete pesticides and other crop protection products

The "Environmentally sound disposal of obsolete pesticides and other crop protection products" project aims to provide environmentally sound disposal of 4,388 tons obsolete pesticides and other crop protection products in 216 storage warehouses throughout the country. The project preparation is based on an extensive survey of obsolete pesticides stored on the territory of Bulgaria, including the collection of various key data and performance of further analysis. The outcomes of the feasibility study (FS) made in 2013 resulted in taking appropriate action for final disposal of inventoried quantities of obsolete pesticides and other crop protection products.

 

The main objective of the “Pesticides” project is the environmentally sound disposal of obsolete pesticides and other crop protection products.

The activities included in the project are as follows:

  1. Repackaging of obsolete pesticides, with the following objectives:

- Ensuring the protection of humans and the environment during storage of materials in the warehouses;

- Creating appropriate conditions for further transportation and disposal of pesticides.

  1. Transportation of obsolete pesticides.
  2. Final disposal of obsolete pesticides.
  3. Cleaning and restoration of warehouses.

 

Expected impact:

  • Reducing the risk for the health of more than 2 250 000 Bulgarian citizens.
  • Improving the way of life in more than 100 municipalities.
  • Over 12'000 tons of highly toxic poisons - pesticides and other plant protection products - are stored in different locations throughout the country. 1 ton DDT remaining from the 70s of the last century will be disposed within the project.
  • around 5000 tons are still located in over 200 premises and warehouses in 135 municipalities and pose a serious risk to the health of the people and the surrounding environment.
  • Special clothing and equipment are used to work on the disposal of highly toxic chemicals.

Reducing the economic and social disparities between Bulgaria and other European countries.

Executive Agency

Ms. Reneta Koleva

Project Manager

EMEPA

4 Triaditza Str.,

Sofia 1000, Bulgaria

Tel. +359 2940 6251

e-mail: r.georgieva@pudoos.bg

 

Mr. Georgi Markov

Project coordinator

EMEPA

4 Triaditza Str.,

Sofia 1000, Bulgaria

Tel. +359 2940 6069

e-mail: g.markov@pudoos.bg 

  • Back in 2013, a feasibility study suggested for cleaning 215 priority warehouses across the country storing approximately 4’400 tons of obsolete pesticides and other plant protection products remaining after the cooperatives from before the 90s.
  • 3’782 tons (more than 85% of the planned quantities) of pesticides and other hazardous products were safely repacked, transported and incinerated in licensed facilities in Switzerland, France, Germany and other EU countries. Due to the higher quantities of pesticides discovered, 67 warehouses (31 %) of all 215 initially targeted by the project were cleaned up in compliance with the high quality standards and requirements set by the project.
  • More than 1’6 million people in 50 Bulgarian municipalities benefit from a healthier environment while opportunities for economic growth in this areas have increased.
  • The Bulgarian authorities stand by their commitment to continue the disposal of the remaining waste after the project’s completion: an experts’ estimate suggests that approximately 3’588 tons of obsolete substances still remain in 231 warehouses spread all over Bulgaria.
  • The Swiss co-financing share of 85% reached CHF 14'361’790 of the eligibly spent in the framework of the Project funds. This comprises 72% of the committed Swiss funding.