Transforming waste management in mountainous Nepal

Nepal struggles with plastic waste recovery because of its rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure for collecting and transferring waste.

The Alliance has partnered with Creasion—a leader in plastic waste recycling in Nepal since 2005—to strengthen the country’s waste management ecosystem through Prayaash, a project focused on expanding the informal collection network and establishing more formalised systems.

The Prayaash project operates in two main provinces of Nepal: Bagmati and Madhesh. Research on Kathmandu Valley and Chitwan showed these areas are ideal for collecting and recovering PET and other plastics. The project targets remote areas of Nepal where challenging terrain and limited infrastructure have long hindered plastic waste recovery. Prayaash aims to change this by connecting existing infrastructure with new initiatives. This includes integrating both formal and informal collection systems to improve efficiency, reduce pollution, and encourage sustainable habits. It is hoped that these actions will address the current reality where, in the absence of proper systems, plastic waste is often burnt or discarded, causing environmental harm.

The approach focuses on expanding the recovery of PET and other types of plastics, enhancing the capacity of current recover equipment and reaching more communities. A key objective is to create jobs through a strengthened informal waste collection network—delivering both environmental and economic benefits to local communities.

The project has already reached important milestones. In July 2024, Phase II was successfully completed, with 2,081 tonnes Total since inception of the project with 2,251.10 tonnes assured for 2024 reporting period. 22 of plastic waste collected and recycled, surpassing the initial commitment of 1,700 tonnes. Phase III began in October 2024, and so far over 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected and recycled. This phase aims to collect and recycle a total of 2,300 tonnes. In addition, the Alliance also co-funded equipment and a collection vehicle at a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) constructed and operated by Creasion.

Another important aspect of the Prayaash project is to boost the social status and improve the lives of informal waste workers. Their labour is critical to diverting recyclable plastic waste from the environment and landfills in the difficult Nepalese terrain. Measures to support workers have included improving working conditions at waste facilities with segregated changing rooms and lactation rooms for female employees. Broader social inclusion initiatives benefiting over 300 informal workers have resulted in fairer wages and, in some cases, insurance coverage. The project has also provided training on safety and occupational health.