site.bta80 Volunteers Collect Over Six Tonnes of Trash in Rila National Park

During the 28th edition of a clean-up in the Rila National Park, a total of 80 volunteers collected more than six tonnes of trash, said Wednesday Ecological Association Za Zemiata [For the Earth], the organizer of the clean-up.

From August 21 to 25, volunteers from across the country, ranging in age from five to 65, climbed high in the mountains and cleaned the area of Chakar Voyvoda hut and Musala hut. There the volunteers found an old rubbish dump near the now-defunct bungalows for stay and treatment of lung and skin diseases, and took away over 3.5 tonnes of household waste, mostly plastic and metal, asbestos, tin sheets and old appliances.

Danita Zarichinova from Za Zemiata Association said that during the volunteers’ stay in Rila, they saw huge problems, not only with the pollution, but also with the decreasing amount of water in the lakes, the stoppage of natural fountains and the use of only disposable dishes in the huts, which creates more and more waste. The raging mountain fires also involve the park rangers, who are already few in number, Zarichinova added.

Cleaning around Musala Peak was challenging because of the huge number of tourists who visit the Peak at this time of the year. Fortunately, some of them joined spontaneously and helped in removing heavy sacks from the area of the Ledeno Ezero [Ice Lake] shelter. Even in the highest parts of the mountain, both old rubbish dumps and new ones were found, Zarichinova also commented.

The most common and very problematic new waste is the wet wipes which contain plastic and do not break down.

All volunteers brought their own utensils for food, water bottles and jugs. The main message to tourists and hikers visiting the mountains is not to use disposable cups, plates and utensils, which quickly become waste, but to be responsible and use reusable containers.