𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐬

…𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝒛𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 2030

By Leki Chungdon

The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) of the National Council conducted consultation meetings and field visits to Gasa, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhags as part of its oversight functions and in preparation for an upcoming public hearing. The consultations, held under the theme “Environment Conservation versus Infrastructure Development,” focused on the progress and challenges in achieving Bhutan’s Zero Waste Vision 2030.

In Gasa, the Committee met with the Dzongkhag Administration, local leaders, and sector heads to assess current waste management systems. Discussions covered landfill operations, waste collection mechanisms, household-level segregation, recycling initiatives, and public awareness programs. Major challenges identified included limited financial resources and inadequate infrastructure. During an interaction with public representatives and Gewog officials in Khamoed Gewog, concerns were raised about the long distance to the landfill site and insufficient budget allocations.

Tshewang, the Gasa Dzongrab, stated, “The primary challenge in implementing Bhutan’s Zero Waste 2030 initiative in our Dzongkhag is not waste collection itself, but rather the lack of adequate transportation for waste. Gasa Dzongkhag has only one municipal waste truck, which cannot navigate farm roads, and fuel budget constraints further limit its operation. The truck is too large for some of the narrower roads, preventing it from reaching remote areas.

Moreover, we lack recycling facilities. Currently, there is only one landfill, serving the municipal area and Khatoed Gewog; other gewogs have no access to such facilities. This sole landfill has been in operation for six years, is small, and is now overflowing, creating significant challenges. We have raised the issue in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu budget, requesting the establishment of a landfill in each gewog.

Although land availability and budget constraints pose obstacles, we hope to establish a new landfill within the next year. While we do segregate degradable and non-degradable waste, this remains a challenging task. Waste collection generally proceeds smoothly, except in tourist areas such as Lunana, where trekkers often leave plastic litter along the trails. I believe that placing a stronger emphasis on waste recycling would be highly beneficial.”

Raju Singer from Gasa Municipal added, “The municipality currently provides regular solid waste collection services within Gasa town, covering residential areas, the NHDCL colony, school staff quarters, the RBP camp, and regional institutions. Non-biodegradable waste is collected every Monday using the municipal 2-metric-ton waste collection vehicle. We have successfully extended waste collection services to Khatoed and Khaomed Gewogs. In Khaomed Gewog, which includes the school, JDNP office, DoST, and surrounding residences, a scheduled collection service has been introduced, with the municipal vehicle dispatched on the second day of every month.

However, ensuring regular waste collection in the remote highland gewogs of Laya and Lunana remains a major challenge due to their inaccessibility. For areas with motorable road access, the Dzongkhag administration deploys waste collection vehicles as required. For remote communities beyond the reach of municipal trucks, a collaborative waste management system is in place. The Gewog Administration coordinates waste collection locally, where waste is packed and transported to designated aggregation points, such as Lebjgang for Khaomed Gewog. From there, the Dzongkhag administration arranges final collection and disposal.”

He also noted that Gasa currently does not face major issues related to wet waste, primarily due to strong household-level waste management practices. “Most households maintain kitchen gardens and compost their organic waste at source. This effective community-led system is a key reason why our landfill does not experience the foul odour commonly seen in other landfill sites.

The Dzongkhag administration actively engages with and supports private waste management partners, including Eco-Waste Solutions. We are committed to encouraging partnerships for sustainable waste solutions. Last September, in collaboration with SHE-Cycle Solution, we implemented a successful upcycling initiative in Laya Gewog. In addition, we are currently working with ICIMOD and Greener Way to develop innovative waste management strategies tailored for highland communities,” he said.

In Punakha, the Committee held meetings with the Dzongkhag Administration, local government leaders, municipal staff, and representatives from relevant stakeholders, including Eco-Waste Solution, the Royal Bhutan Police, and the Dratshang. Dzongkhag officials presented an overview of waste management initiatives carried out in collaboration with various agencies. Discussions covered landfill management, segregation practices, recycling efforts, the need for additional waste collection trucks, and improved inter-agency coordination to ensure effective waste handling.

Karma Dorji Jimba, an Environment Officer from Punakha Dzongkhag, highlighted the major challenges hindering the dzongkhag’s efforts to achieve Bhutan’s Zero Waste Vision 2030. “The rapid rise in population and economic growth has outpaced the development of waste management infrastructure, leaving the dzongkhag without adequate facilities or systems to handle increasing waste volumes. Waste collection services are limited to Khuruthang Municipality and nearby areas, with no formal collection system in most gewogs. Other persistent challenges include inadequate funding, weak inter-agency coordination, and public attitudes toward waste. Improper mindsets such as the belief that ‘my waste is someone else’s responsibility,’ along with deliberate littering and illegal waste dumping, continue to undermine our efforts despite awareness initiatives.”

He further explained, “Multiple agencies are mandated to implement waste management responsibilities under the Waste Prevention and Management Act 2009 and subsequent regulations, but a lack of coordinated action among these agencies has slowed progress. Regarding landfill operations, waste is currently managed by a private firm, Eco Waste Solution, which handles segregation at the landfill. Non-recyclable waste is compacted and covered with soil, and a system is in place to collect leachate. However, the landfill lacks modern technology, reducing its operational effectiveness. Although we do not practice source segregation, Eco Waste Solution segregates waste at the landfill. We also have more than 10 scrap dealers who collect and separate recyclables at the source and generate income from it. Despite these efforts, we do not have any recycling plants to process waste locally.”

He added, “The dzongkhag conducts coordination meetings, issues directives, and organizes regular cleaning campaigns with implementing agencies, but long-term success will require financial investment and technical support. We urgently need funding, especially to procure sufficient waste collection vehicles. We also require technical assistance to improve landfill management. The private sector can play a key role in realizing the Zero Waste Vision 2030 by investing in recycling infrastructure, promoting circular economy practices, supporting public awareness, and fostering innovation through partnerships. However, waste management is costly and will require government-backed incentives, grants, low-interest loans, and administrative support to be sustainable.”

Pema Wangdi from Punakha Municipal said, “Waste collection services cover Cora town, the old town area of Punakha, and surrounding peripheries, including some institutes and resorts. We collect waste from Lobesa twice a week, while Serigang and Lakha are covered based on their scheduled community cleaning campaigns.” He also acknowledged the absence of a waste treatment system but said plans are underway to introduce waste segregation at the source to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. “At present, we rely on Eco Waste Solution, which conducts waste segregation at the landfill,” he added.

In Wangdue Phodrang, the Committee met with Dzongkhag officials and local government representatives to review ongoing waste management activities. Presentations highlighted efforts in legal enforcement and community awareness programs. Key issues discussed included landfill operations at Chamalaptsa and Eusa, waste collection coverage, recycling and reuse practices, and the lack of wet-waste treatment facilities. Participants also highlighted challenges such as illegal dumping and budgetary constraints that hinder sustainable waste management.

Wangdi Gup said, “To strengthen waste management, every village has been instructed to establish a designated waste disposal pit to ensure systematic segregation and disposal of household waste. Each household is required to take an active role in community waste management initiatives, including mandatory participation in monthly waste collection and cleaning campaigns by at least one household member. One of the biggest challenges faced by gewog administrations is the lack of adequate transportation facilities. In most areas, there are few or no dedicated vehicles available to transport waste to landfill sites. As a result, collected waste is often stored in local pits for long periods, leading to overflow and environmental pollution.”

He further explained, “Rugged terrain and poor road connectivity in remote areas significantly increase the cost and time required for waste transportation, making regular disposal even more difficult. To address awareness and community participation, the gewog administration, in partnership with health officials, conducts regular sensitization programs on waste segregation and reduction. Waste management groups have also been formed in each community to monitor local waste practices and encourage compliance. This community-driven approach has strengthened public ownership and responsibility toward waste management.”

However, he stressed the need for greater institutional and technical support from the dzongkhag and central agencies. “Key areas of support include establishing a local recycling platform and introducing a buy-back system that offers small financial incentives for recyclable materials. One of the biggest operational challenges is the absence of a proper recycling mechanism or market. Although communities segregate recyclables, there are no recycling centers or buyers to process them, resulting in waste being stockpiled or disposed of improperly.”

Tshering Phuntsho, an engineer with the Wangdi Municipal Office, said, “Waste collection services currently cover only areas within the municipal boundary. Waste collection trucks are deployed daily in rural areas close to town, while collection in more distant villages is carried out upon request.” He also acknowledged a critical gap in waste processing, noting, “At present, we do not have any mechanisms in place to treat wet waste locally before disposal.”