Problems in the Management of Wastes from Metallurgy, Power and Chemical Industry in Bulgaria

Totally, more than 300 million tons [Mg] have been accumulated, occupying more than 2,500 hectares (ha) of arable land. These industrial wastes are non-toxic and nonradioactive poders and represent a source of ecological problems in Bulgaria, due to the inadequate ways of their deposition and ineffective management. The present report makes a review on the types of wastes and their quantities and a systematization of their basic physico-chemical parameters. Different methods of waste disposal and a new (for Bulgaria) concept for waste management are put forward. In addition, a brief description is presented of the particular methods applied for utilization and disposal of these wastes. So far the utilization of wastes in mining, cement and construction industry in Bulgaria is negligible and does not exceed 1.5 – 2.0 %. Utilizing of wastes in mining industry as hardening mixtures with higher compressive strength (up to 30 MPa) or filling and filling-hardening mixtures (from 1.5 to 30 MPa) is also very limited and should find broader application.