Recovery Potential and Feasibility of Composting and Recycling Incorporated Waste Management System in Nepal: A Case Study of Eight Municipalities

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is an engineered and environment-friendly manner which is yet to be achieved in Nepal. Increasing waste generation due to surging urbanization is threatening the environmental sanitation as well as human health. In this context, the exploration of suitable alternative waste treatment methods should be done and practiced soon. This paper was envisioned to explore the recovery potential and feasibility of composting and recycling in 8 Nepalese municipalities. The total recovery value from municipal solid waste (MSW) was NPR 43.14 Lakhs ($35,544) per day. With the amalgamation of composting and recycling, reduction of around 199,000 m3of landfills, 4,800 m3 of leachate generation, and 81,000 (CO2 e) of GHG emissions and saving of above 424,000 trees could be achieved per year. The analysis of the results indicates the realistic explanation of underlying reasons for integrating composting and recycling in MSWM system in all the municipalities. It is anticipated that this paper will serve as a key reference document for making decisions regarding investment in composting and recycling.