Waste management, once a problem confined to Bhutan’s larger towns and cities, has now crept into the outskirts and villages, raising significant concerns. For a nation internationally admired for its environmental stewardship, this growing waste issue tarnishes our image and threatens the very values we pride ourselves on. Where and how are we getting it wrong? What must we do to address this crisis?

As one of the fastest urbanising countries in South Asia, Bhutan is undergoing rapid demographic changes. By 2047, it is projected that 56.8 percent of the country’s population will live in urban areas. Urbanisation brings with it many benefits—economic growth, improved access to services, and infrastructure development—but it also introduces new challenges. The waste problem is a glaring consequence of this growth, compounded by increasing consumption patterns and insufficient waste management systems.

The daily average of waste disposed of in landfills is at least 54 metric tonnes (MT). This statistic is alarming, and it underscores the severity of the waste problem we are facing.

One of the major areas where we are getting it wrong is the lack of a comprehensive waste management strategy that encompasses both urban and rural areas. While there have been efforts to promote recycling and waste segregation in major cities, the same attention is not being given to rural areas and villages. As urbanisation spreads, so too does waste, and without proper infrastructure in place, villages that were once pristine are now dealing with overflowing waste. Illegal dumping and improper disposal methods are becoming more common, and this neglect is chipping away at Bhutan’s reputation for environmental sustainability.

The root of the problem also lies in weak enforcement of waste management laws. We have commendable waste regulations on paper, but their implementation has been inconsistent. The Waste Prevention and Management Act, which calls for waste segregation at the source and penalises illegal dumping, is not being rigorously enforced. Until we start holding individuals, households, and businesses accountable for how they manage their waste, the problem will persist.

So, what must we do to turn this situation around? First and foremost, the government needs to invest in better waste management infrastructure, particularly in rural and newly urbanised areas. More public recycling centers, properly maintained landfills, and waste-to-energy initiatives should be introduced to manage waste more efficiently. Alongside this, a robust public education campaign is necessary to instill proper waste disposal habits in citizens, starting from a young age. Awareness campaigns need to reach every corner of the country to ensure that everyone, urban or rural, understands their role in protecting the environment.

Enforcement must also be tightened. The authorities should impose strict penalties for littering, illegal dumping, and non-compliance with waste segregation rules. Regular inspections and surprise checks in both urban and rural areas would help deter irresponsible behaviour.

Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness and environmental sustainability has set us apart on the global stage. However, if we do not address the growing waste problem, we risk undermining these core values.