Sherab Lhamo
A recent study reveals that the Changzamtog area in Thimphu alone generated an alarming 328.8 kg of waste over a five-day period, outpacing 24 other areas in the city.
The study, conducted by Ugen Trading house in partnership with Recykal, India, aimed to assess waste generation rates in Thimphu, characterise the types of waste produced, and evaluate the existing waste management system, including assess the potential quantity of waste suitable for the Digital Deposit Refund System, which was launched on September 16.
According to the findings, the total waste generated from the surveyed households exceeded 2,000 kg, averaging more than 400 kg per day.
Langjophaka ranked second in waste generation with 210.6 kg followed by Semtokha at 165.3 kg and Babesa at 154 kg.
According to the National Waste Inventory Survey of 2019, Bhutan produces approximately 172.16 metric tonnes of solid waste daily.
Food waste constituted 50 percent of the total solid waste while plastics and pet bottles accounted for 14.6 percent and paper or cardboard for 11.6 percent.
The study recorded the highest daily waste output as food waste, totaling 223.89 kg, with electronic waste registering the lowest at just 0.246 kg.
The survey involved 342 households and businesses, including interviews with 1,257 household members. Fifty trained data collectors participated, providing households with waste storage bags for five days, which encompassed three weekdays and two weekends. At the end of the collection period, the waste was segregated into categories for analysis.
The report also explored the relationship between income levels and waste generation. Interestingly, it found that lower-income households produced more waste compared to their higher-income counterparts, suggesting that increased income correlates with better waste management practices.
The study recommends a multi-faceted approach to waste management, emphasising collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and the public.
The report also recommends stronger policies and regulations, particularly regarding extended producer responsibility, to shift the burden of waste management from consumers to producers.
According to the Waste Management Division under the Department of Environment and Climate Change, urban areas in Bhutan produce between 0.5 to 1 kg of waste per person daily while rural areas generate about 0.3 kg.
This discrepancy highlights the varying consumption patterns and waste management strategies in different regions.
The study acknowledges its limitations, including a small sample size and a short research duration. The socio-economic data collected relied on questionnaire-based interviews, which may affect the validity of the results.