Bansko Winter Resort in Bulgaria to Protect the Environment and its Visitors

The municipal council of Bulgaria’s biggest winter resort of Bansko recently adopted a series of measures – some directed at the protection of its environment against plastic waste and others – of its visitors against hassling.

Starting on January 1, 2010, the use of polyethylene - or plastic - bags, cups, plates and other disposable objects for all businesses on the territory of the resort will be banned.

These objects will have to be replaced with biodegradable ones, according to a new article of the regulations for the management of waste adopted by Bansko’s municipal council.

In addition the banning the use of polyethylene utensils, the council decided to sanction owners of plots and undeveloped properties that have not been cleaned by a fine of up to 5, 000 leva (around 2, 500 euro).

Another new regulation adopted by the council is the restriction on the use of people trying to entice passers-by to enter certain eateries outside of the venue’s territory. Those who don’t observe that restriction will be fined by 100 to 1, 000 leva (around 50 to 500 euro).