𝐏𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐘𝐚𝐫𝐝

By Sonam Choki
Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing Thromde is on track to achieve zero solid waste by January 2026 with the completion and operation of the Solid Waste Treatment Yard (SWTY), part of the Phuentsholing Township Development Project (PTDP). Developed under a Design, Build and Operate model at a total cost of Nu. 104,475,000, the yard spans approximately 6,790 square metres, including dedicated sections for dry waste treatment and wet waste composting. It is a key component of PTDP, which aims to address the growing waste management needs of Phuentsholing in line with sustainable urban planning.

Currently, waste from Phuentsholing Thromde is disposed of in a landfill without segregation. The SWTY will change this by segregating waste, recovering recyclables, and composting wet waste on-site, significantly reducing pressure on the landfill. Kamal Dhakal, Project Director of PTDP said, “Once operational, the facility will be jointly utilized by both PTDP and the existing Phuentsholing City, supporting PTDP’s New Urban development principles and ensuring cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally responsible waste management for the growing population.”

The collection of solid waste is based on segregation at source, dividing municipal solid waste (MSW) into wet organic fractions and dry non-biodegradable fractions. Collected waste is transported to the SWTY and weighed using a 30-ton electronic weighbridge at the entry gate for accurate record-keeping. Dry waste is transferred to a Trommel Screen Drum measuring 1,300 millimetres in diameter and 3,750 millimetres in length, equipped with a 6 mm rotary screen and a 5-horsepower gear motor. The drum separates particles into those smaller and larger than 80 millimetres. An over-band magnetic separator attached to the main feeder removes ferrous metals from MSW before screening. Large non-organic fractions, including plastics, paper, and glass, are segregated manually through preliminary inspection.

Once segregated, plastic waste is transferred to a vertical baling machine with a 25-ton pressure capacity, compressing scrap plastics into dense blocks for recycling. Paper waste undergoes a similar process. Inert waste or non-recyclable material is transported to the existing landfill, 15 kilometres from the town towards Pasakha. Approximately Nu. 5.5 million has been allocated to maintain and upgrade the landfill, which will also receive screened waste particles below 80 millimetres.

Composting is carried out through a controlled aerobic decomposition process. Wet waste is shredded using a semi-automatic composting machine and placed in long, narrow windrows, each measuring five metres in length and two metres in width, with 44 windrows arranged with 2-metre spacing for aeration. Moisture content is maintained at 50–60 percent, and windrows are regularly turned manually and with a compost turner to maintain oxygen supply.

Temperature is monitored to reach 55–70 degrees Celsius to destroy pathogens and weed seeds. Once decomposition is complete, compost is screened to remove oversized or unfinished material and stored for about 30 days to stabilize before use. The final product is nutrient-rich and suitable for gardening, landscaping, and agriculture.

Phuentsholing Thrompon, Uttar Kumar Rai, said, “At present, Phuentsholing Thromde has developed a comprehensive and structured system to ensure urban cleanliness, protect public health, and make waste management more convenient for its residents.” He explained that door-to-door collection reduces waste accumulation in public spaces, while residents are encouraged to segregate waste at the household level. Dry waste is collected three times a week, and wet waste is collected daily. He added, “Medical waste management is another critical component, with non-infectious medical waste collected twice a week and safely buried separately these days due to breakdown of incinerator. Otherwise Thromde used to incinerate when the incinerator was functional.” Night-time collection has been introduced to reduce traffic interference and ensure smoother service.

The SWTY will allow further segregation and processing of collected waste. Wet waste will be converted into organic manure for local businesses to refine into specialized fertilizers, which can then be supplied to farmers or exported to Indian markets. Some organic fractions may also be used to cultivate high-value crops such as oyster mushrooms. Dry waste will be recycled into usable products. Only non-recyclable material will be transferred to the landfill. This approach reduces transport distances, improves operational efficiency, and creates new employment opportunities. The Thrompon said, “It is not just about managing waste- it is about converting challenges into resources, problems into solutions, and waste into wealth.”

Several initiatives complement the SWTY, including waste drop-in centers, surveillance cameras to monitor illegal dumping, and waste vending machines that credit citizens’ bank accounts for proper disposal. Partnerships with private sectors and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) aim to develop skills in recycling and composting. Zero Waste Days, observed every second day of the month, encourage community participation and awareness. Despite these initiatives, cultural change and civic responsibility remain critical, as littering by night-time visitors, pedestrians, and picnickers along highways and riversides continues to pose challenges.

To achieve zero-waste sustainability, the Thromde plans to expand incentives for proper segregation, strengthen enforcement through CCTV monitoring and mobile patrols, and promote circular economy practices such as household and community composting, recycling, and waste-to-product initiatives. Opportunities for biogas production from wet waste are also being explored.

The PTDP is funded by the Asian Development Bank through concessional loans and grants, with additional support from the Royal Government of Bhutan and Druk Holding and Investments Limited. The project covers 66 hectares of riparian land near the Amochhu River and provides protection from floods and erosion while constructing smart urban infrastructure. A modern township is being developed on principles of equity, liveability, and competitiveness, integrating with the existing municipality while preserving Bhutan’s architectural heritage.

Together with Waste Drop-In Centers, the new waste yard will enable systematic collection, segregation, recycling, and composting of both wet and dry waste. These measures are expected to reduce dependence on landfills, recover valuable resources, and create economic opportunities. Phuentsholing Thromde is taking significant steps to transform waste from a challenge into a resource, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable urban environment.