Since the launch of the waste banks at the drop-off centres, Thimphu Thromde has seen a decline in the dry waste being transported to Memelakha landfill. In the last one month, the thromde has been able to reduce dry waste by 175 metric tonnes, equivalent to 175 garbage trucks. Of this, around 80 metric tonnes were collected by the Bhutan Waste Banks, while the remaining 90 metric tonnes were likely gathered by private scrap dealers.
The Bhutan Waste Bank initiative, launched in mid of August buys dry waste from residents, aiming to address the growing waste management challenges in the capital.
Currently, these waste banks collect over two tonnes of dry waste every day.
“We have collected a huge amount of recyclables. We believe that there has been ground-swelling support from Thimphu residents and households. If this continues, and that is what we hope for, it will help us address the long-term vision of waste management and that is what we are working towards,” said Karma Yonten, the founder of Greener Way Private Limited.
“We saw a significant sort of impact to the thromde. Firstly, in terms of reduction of vehicles going to Memelakha for disposal of waste and secondly, with due course of time, the quantity of waste collected in the waste banks will have a significant impact on reduction of waste in Thimphu city,” said Sonam Wangchuk, chief environment officer at Thimphu Thromde.
He added that the thromde is also exploring ways to reduce wet or degradable waste by converting it into biogas and fertilizer among others.
Residents shared positive feedback, highlighting the reduction in visible waste and the benefits of the incentives.
“I am not capable of doing other kinds of work but it is beneficial even if I just store the waste at home and bring it here when we walk around. This initiative is very effective for us and we are very grateful for it,” said Tumpo, a resident.
“We used to see a lot of waste like plastics, sacks, bottles and glass. Now, thanks to this initiative, we do not see them as much. It has even come to a point where waste fetches money. This is a great initiative,” said Kinley Bidha, another resident.
“In the past, people used to throw waste anywhere. Now, people understand that waste is money, and they take care of it to sell. Even if we can fetch one ngultrum, it is beneficial to our daily lives,” said Tshomo, also a resident.
There are nine waste banks in Thimphu, one each at all the waste drop-off centres.
In July, Thimphu Thromde collected about 850 tonnes of dry waste and more than 780 tonnes of wet waste.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Sonam Pem
