METODI MITEV'S MISSION TO BRING POSITIVE CHANGE

A zero-waste industry is the dream of our modern economy and environment. Metodi Mitev, founder of Zero Waste, a company specialising in utilising waste materials for hydrogen production, knows how this can actually happen. He spread his entrepreneurial wings as a teenager in the early 1990s – the turbulent times when Bulgaria was transitioning from a Communist state to a democracy and an open market. A graduate of Business Administration and Economics, he opened his first company in 2001. In 2004, Mr Mitev started a consultancy focused on environmental and water supply and sewage projects. Thanks to his work, he became Chair of the Board of Managers of the Centre for Green Growth Association and a member of the Vienna Economic Forum. Nowadays, besides Zero Waste, he is also the owner and manager of AMM Capital.

A proud husband and father of a son, Mr Mitev is a patriot, a Christian and… a professional lobbyist. Yes, that is correct. Lobbying in Bulgaria still has a bad reputation, but Mr Mitev is working tirelessly to change attitudes and to support the introduction of a much-needed Lobbying Act.

How did you decide to become a lobbyist?

I have always been a visionary and am not afraid to pursue my ideas and goals, even when they seem unrealistic. Over the years, many people have recognised my passion for getting things done and started asking me for help and support. Eventually, I decided to become a lobbyist.

Nowadays, I am registered in the European Commission's Transparency Register. I take part in various political and business initiatives, pushing for institutional and governmental decisions that genuinely benefit ordinary citizens and businesses. These include initiatives in green innovation and technologies, energy efficiency and the sustainable development of businesses and the society. As I always keep my promises, remain loyal to my clients and partners, and deliver real results, I have been at the top of the game for years in this unregulated and complex field.

In Bulgaria, lobbying still has a bad reputation. Why should this change?

The bad reputation is due to the lack of a Lobbying Act. This keeps lobbying in the shadows and creates fertile ground for corruption, secret agreements and unethical practices. In the US and many EU countries, lobbying is legal and regulated. If Bulgaria follows suit, many hidden political and business connections will inevitably come out of the shadows. This change will benefit us all – citizens, businesses and society as a whole.

How do you envisage a future Lobbying Act?

As someone with 20 years of experience in this field, I would say that the future law should clearly define who a lobbyist is, and what the difference is between lobbying, public participation and corruption. It should establish a public online register of all active lobbyists, indicating whom they represent and whose interests they defend. There should also be a code of ethics, as well as a ban on using bribes, pressure or donations to influence others.

The goal of the legislation should not be to ban lobbying, but to make it transparent, regulated and ethical. Now, as lobbying is not regulated, people often jokingly or seriously say that because I work with British, American, Israeli and other clients who seek ways to invest in Bulgaria I work for foreign interests. No, I work for the Bulgarian interests.

What change do you aim to achieve with your Zero Waste project?

The project Zero Waste From Waste to Golden Mine for the Economy and the Society sets the ambitious goal of transforming the way society and the economy think, turning every package, plastic bottle and food leftover – everything we throw in the bin – into a valuable resource awaiting its second life. In this new, truly circular economy, recycling becomes a source of added value and a key instrument for protecting nature. Achieving this transformation will lead to profound change in several key areas.

First, by processing just one tonne of RDF (refuse-derived fuel) through our installation, 110 kg of hydrogen are produced. This is enough to power a heavy goods vehicle for 1,200 km. Alternatively, it can generate 450 kW of electricity, which covers the approximate daily consumption of ten households. Second, with the installation offered by Zero Waste, up to 770 litres of water are saved – the amount that would otherwise be required to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Last but not least, the volume of landfilled waste is reduced by 85% – instead of disposing of a tonne of waste, we are left with only 150 kg of inert material.

Then come the climate benefits. By producing hydrogen that can power vehicles, the Zero Waste project prevents greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, by utilising every tonne of RDF, it prevents up to one tonne of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the atmosphere from landfills.

Our project also prevents the release of harmful methane emissions. Methane is a stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, being 28 to 36 times more harmful than it.

Thus, the Zero Waste project aims to create a sustainable economy that delivers economic benefits while protecting the environment for future generations.

On what principle does this waste processing method work?

Our technology offers an innovative and efficient approach to sustainable solutions for the waste crisis and the green energy transition. Instead of burning waste, the company uses the principle of thermochemical conversion to transform it into clean, carbon-negative hydrogen, with the added value of capturing carbon dioxide. The process eliminates the need for landfilling and prevents harmful methane emissions while at the same time producing a valuable source of energy.

One of the most significant advantages of this technology is its integrated carbon capture system. Instead of being released into the atmosphere, the separated carbon dioxide is captured and converted into a stable mineral form that can be safely stored. The process achieves a carbon-negative outcome, as it not only reduces greenhouse gases but also actively removes them from the atmosphere.

Thus, we achieve two main goals: solving the problem of waste management and providing a source of clean, renewable energy.

For what types of production is it suitable?

Our technology is suitable for a wide range of industries and sectors that require alternative waste management and/or a clean energy source. The carbon-negative hydrogen produced can be used for power generation in fuel cells to produce electricity on-site, supplying industrial facilities, hospitals, smaller communities, and more. It can also power fuel cell vehicles such as buses, trucks, locomotives, ships, and cars in urban, regional, and international transport networks.

Our technology offers a sustainable solution for managing solid municipal waste streams, including plastics and organic waste, reducing landfill volumes. It can also be applied in wastewater treatment plants for processing sludge and other waste streams. The system we offer can efficiently process medical waste, which is particularly important since such waste requires special treatment.

Our company provides both small, portable systems for local needs and large, stationary installations for high-volume waste processing. Thus, Zero Waste Ltd. not only addresses the waste problem but also provides a reliable and clean energy source for the future, supporting various industries and communities in their transition towards a more sustainable economy.