Bhutan’s rapid urbanisation poses a significant challenge to waste management. With over half the population expected to reside in urban areas by 2047, waste generation will inevitably increase, and without proper systems in place, the environmental and public health consequences can become overwhelming. It is, therefore, crucial to address the waste crisis before it spirals beyond control.
The introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (dDRS) is a welcome initiative in tackling this issue. The system encourages consumers to return their waste, offering financial incentives for doing so. Developed by Recykal, an Indian technology firm, the initiative uses advanced artificial intelligence to identify different waste materials such as plastic, glass, or metal. By simplifying the recycling process, it fosters a sense of personal responsibility among consumers, shifting the burden away from traditional scrap dealers towards individual recyclers.
The importance of this shift cannot be overstated. Bhutan’s environmental image, deeply rooted in its commitment to Gross National Happiness and conservation efforts, stands at risk as waste problems mount in urban and rural areas alike. Waste issues, once confined to major towns, are now spreading to villages, eroding the very foundation of our global reputation for environmental stewardship. What’s more, improper waste disposal can cause pollution, contaminate water sources, and pose risks to both wildlife and human health.
However, the dDRS alone will not solve our waste management issue. A multi-pronged approach is necessary. Public awareness campaigns need to be intensified to ensure that citizens understand the importance of recycling and waste segregation. Education programmes should be implemented at both the grassroots and institutional levels to foster long-term behavioural changes.
Local governments must invest in proper infrastructure to handle the increasing waste. While initiatives like dDRS are innovative, their success depends on a supportive framework that ensures waste is efficiently collected, sorted, and processed. This requires investment in waste treatment facilities and transportation systems. Towns and small settlements, especially those in rural Bhutan, need access to modern waste management solutions through partnerships with technology firms like Recykal and other regional stakeholders.
And, strict regulations and penalties for illegal dumping must be enforced. It’s not enough to incentivise responsible disposal; deterrents for improper behaviour must also be in place. Thromdes and municipalities need to increase surveillance in areas prone to illegal dumping, and heavy fines should be imposed on violators.
Urbanisation may be inevitable, but so too must be our proactive measures to mitigate its impact on waste generation. The dDRS shows great promise, but the government and private sector must collaborate closely to build on this momentum. A holistic approach—combining public education, infrastructure investment, and enforcement—is essential to preserving our green image.
Our failure to act now could see us buried under the weight of our own waste, tarnishing not just our environment but also our global standing. It is time we led by example and tackled this growing waste crisis head-on before it’s too late.