Bulgaria Moves to Lower Recycling Fees, Possible Drop in Appliance Prices

The Ministry of Environment and Water is proposing a significant overhaul of the product (eco) fee applied to electrical and electronic equipment in Bulgaria, a change that is expected to reduce costs for consumers and potentially lower retail prices for household appliances. The draft amendments, which are open for public consultation until May 20, 2026, target the system under which fees are charged for products such as refrigerators, washing machines, irons, televisions, computers and other electronics that eventually become waste. Under the current framework, the fee is paid when such goods are placed on the Bulgarian market, unless companies are part of a collective recycling system or can individually prove compliance with waste management obligations under national law. ...