We often assume that once we throw our waste into a dustbin, the problem is solved. In reality, it’s only the start of a much larger problem. In many parts of Nepal, the waste collected from households is left unmanaged–piling up in open dumps, clogging rivers, or being burned in the open air. This hidden aftermath affects not just the environment but also our health and the future of our cities.
What is Solid Waste Management?
According to Nepal’s Solid Waste Management Act, 2068(2011), solid waste is broadly defined to include domestic waste, industrial waste, chemical waste, health institution waste or harmful waste. Solid waste management is the systematic process of collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, and disposing of solid waste in order to maintain a healthy environment.
Current Framework and Challenges in Nepal
Managing solid waste is a major challenge in any developing country like Nepal due to rapid urbanisation. The Solid Waste Management Act, 2068 (2011), and the Solid Waste Management National Policy, 2022, are the backbone of solid waste management policy in Nepal. This legal and institutional framework defines responsibilities for solid waste management from the central government to local bodies.
As per the 2011 Act, local governing bodies like municipalities must manage solid waste efficiently. This involves reduction at the source of generation, segregation, re-use, recycling and proper disposal by sanitary landfills. Local authorities have to undertake the construction of needed infrastructure, ensure compliance by levying fines and collect user charges for waste management services. This includes the arrangement of sites for handling and processing wastes, besides finding alternatives for waste management. Waste generated from households and other sources should be collected properly and in time. Municipalities are practising door-to-door collection of waste from all households through a vehicle. This collection system is carried out by a municipality in coordination with other private and community sectors.
Solid waste management 2022, reinforces local authorities’ role in managing household wastes, while organisations must take accountability for hazardous, chemical, industrial and medical wastes they generate. This policy also emphasises awareness through education and campaigns and encourages partnership with organisations
Moreover, under Section 3 of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 (2018), the local government has to raise awareness on sanitation and waste management, regulate recycling and disposal, and encourage private and nongovernment sectors to develop services related to waste management.
Current Challenges and Issues
Despite these comprehensive policies, challenges persist. The issues are inconsistent regulation enforcement, limited resources, technological gaps, insufficient funding, and a gap between policy and implementation. According to reports, the Kathmandu Valley generates over 1,200 tonnes of solid waste every day, nearly 60 per cent of which comes from the KMC alone. This highlights the concentration of waste, which is difficult to manage, as infrastructure for sanitary landfills and recycling is insufficient to handle large volumes of waste.
Nepal has a linear economy system of waste management, whereby the waste collected from households and other points moves to cluster centres before final dumping. This addresses injustices faced by communities in places like Sisdol and Banchare Danda, where waste has piled up for years, affecting livelihoods and national pride. Though Kathmandu Municipality has signed agreements with two private companies to collect, segregate, and manage the household waste in each block, the overall approach remains linear.
The way forward
In order to address these challenges, Nepal needs to boost public awareness and shift towards a circular economy. A solid waste recycling centre can be established where wastes can be segregated, degradable waste can be composted, and non-degradable waste can be reused. The government can cooperate or partner with companies like Doko Recyclers to achieve its objective. Every household should take responsibility for its waste and be mindful of the waste produced.