Eco-innovative system for management of waste with unknown composition and origin in Bulgaria

Project facts

Project promoter:
BalBok Engineering AD
Project Number:
BG10-0030
Target groups
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€714,200
Final project cost:
€696,111
From Norway Grants:
€ 360,632
The project is carried out in:
Bulgaria

More information

Description

The outcome of the project is strenghtened market position and competitiveness of BalBok Engineering AD and improved capacity in waste management and waste analyses. The research and development activities as well as training of Bulgarian specialists will be performed in partnership with Norwegian environmental specialists - Mepex Consult AS. The specific market addressed by the project includes holders of waste (companies, individuals, state and municipal authorities), company's customers as per short- and long-term waste management service contracts and the general public. In addition the project facilitates investments in old brownfields (polluted industrial areas) and prevents abandonment of waste. It shall be considered as part of development of the ecological and waste management infrastructure of the country and the Stara Zagora region in particular. The Eco-innovative system for management of waste with unknown composition and origin in Bulgaria will encompass technologies and processes to manage pollution from historically stockpiled, mismanaged, abandoned or illegally disposed waste, which can be hazardous. The expected project outputs are: 1. A mobile laboratory equipped for sampling and on-site analyses; 2. Central Chemical Laboratory in Stara Zagora equipped with apparatuses for qualitative and quantitative analyses of waste samples; 3. Manual for waste identification developed.

Summary of project results

The Project targeted a most needed in the company and in the country capacity on treatment of waste with unknown composition and origin. All activities were commenced on time and with the respective high quality. As a result of the project a mobile laboratory was acquired and equipped for sampling and on-site analysis, the Central chemical laboratory in the town of Stara Zagora was equipped with up-to-date apparatuses for qualitative and quantitative analyses, a Manual for waste identification was prepared and an Information system on waste, covering waste life-cycle was developed. The three green-positions were filled. All laboratory personnel (old and new) were trained in use of the newly acquired state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and showed very good results. The results of the project implementation include also preparation of documentation for accreditation of the Central chemical laboratory and acquiring of all necessary standards. Three seminars were organized as part of the project and the project results were presented to current and possible clients of BalBok Engineering AD, as well as to authorities and media. The achieved results will have significant impact on the way hazardous waste is treated in the country and it will benefit all industries, investors and public. There is a major interest among competent environmental authorities, as well as BalBok’s partners and clients, which gives confidence in long-term success, including internationally. There is also an immediate impact on company‘s operations – BalBok Engineering AD collects and treats more laboratory waste, including packaging with missing labels, as with the new equipment the company’s trained personnel is able to identify the chemical compounds on-site. By the end of 2016 the Central chemical laboratory has already provided services to current and new clients, and also to waste treatment operations within the company.

Summary of bilateral results

New professional connections with long-term potential were established with the project partner Mepex Consult AS. Mepex Consult AS was involved in preparation of the Manual for waste identification. The company provided important inputs and suggestions. The project partner was also involved in training of the personnel. The partner experts trained BalBok’s personnel in contemporary risk management issues and provided important suggestions to BalBok‘s operations. They have also organized for BalBok Engineering AD visits and professional contacts with Norwegian companies also specialized in hazardous waste management. Both companies BalBok Engineering AD and Mepex AS believe that there will be common projects in the future, based on the successful experience in the current one.