 Bulgaria adopted the Kyoto Protocol and achieved the protocol 's objectives by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 to 2009 by 30 percent . However , pollution from factories and metallurgy works and severe deforestation continue to cause major problems to the health and welfare of the population . In 2013 , air pollution in Bulgaria was more severe than any other European country . Urban areas are particularly affected by energy production from coal @-@ based powerplants and automobile traffic , while pesticide usage in the agriculture and antiquated industrial sewage systems produce extensive soil and water pollution with chemicals and detergents . Bulgaria is home to Maritsa <unk> @-@ 2 , a lignite @-@ fired power station causing the highest damage costs to health and the environment in the entire European Union according to the European Environment Agency . It is the only EU member which does not recycle municipal waste , although an electronic waste recycling plant opened in June 2010 . The situation has improved in recent years , and several government @-@ funded programs have been put into place in an attempt to reduce pollution levels . According to Yale University 's 2012 Environmental Performance Index , Bulgaria is a " modest performer " in protecting the environment . Over 75 % of surface rivers meet the standards for good quality . An improvement of water quality began in 1998 and has maintained a sustainable trend of moderate improvement . 
