The Ministry of Environment and Water held a first meeting to discuss the scope of and steps for the introduction of a packaging deposit system in Bulgaria with the participation of Deputy Minister Nikolay Sidzhimov, experts from the Directorate for Waste Management and Soil Protection, representatives of the sectoral organizations of various business stakeholders - producers of soft drinks and brewers, recyclers, retail chains, packaging waste recovery organizations, and representatives of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Initial positions were presented on the most important elements and parameters of the system, which should be carefully studied and evaluated in view of national peculiarities so as to achieve a working model. Building on past experience was emphasized, including past mistakes in other countries, to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the system.

The participants thanked the MOEW through Deputy Minister Sidzhimov for the provided transparency and the opportunity for an open and constructive dialogue and the plan to hold regular meetings to ensure progress in introducing a packaging deposit system in Bulgaria.

Following a concrete plan, written opinions, data, and materials will be exchanged in preparation for the next working meeting.