Bhutan generates more than 172 metric tonnes of solid waste in a day, with each person in the country generating around 230 grams of waste every day, according to the national solid waste inventory survey carried out by the National Statistics Bureau (NSB).
Although waste management is identified as one of the national challenges, information related to waste was found to be lacking. The NSB in collaboration with the National Environment Commission (NEC) conducted the survey to understand waste management in the country in November and December 2019.
According to the survey, nearly half the total waste comprises food waste. This indicates the potential of composting. Similarly, 33 percent of the total wastes are plastic and paper, indicating the potential for recycle and reuse.
Of the total waste, households generate almost 50 percent of the waste followed by commercial units at 40 percent.
In urban households, food waste constitutes almost 60 percent of the total waste while rural households generate a lower proportion of food waste at 40 percent.
In both rural and urban households, almost six percent of the total wastes comprise sanitary wastes. Electronic waste is the lowest at less than one percent of the total household wastes
The survey also found out that more than 60 percent of the total households lacked access to waste collection services. However in urban areas, more than 75 percent of the households have access to waste collection services.
Food waste is also the highest waste generated in commercial units at over 35 percent followed by plastics at over 27 percent.
Similarly institute wastes and wastes from health centres also have highest proportion of food waste at over 38 and 33 percent respectively.
However wastes from industries comprise mostly of paper and cardboards with nearly 40 percent while food waste constitutes around 23 percent. Wastes from vegetable market and government offices have also been surveyed.
According to the survey, frequency to pick up waste and timing of service are some common reasons for dissatisfaction over waste collection service.
NEC officials said that information gathered in the survey would significantly enhance general understanding of country’s waste management system and waste data. The report is expected to facilitate better policymaking, planning and implementation of waste related plans and programmes.
Kinley Dem
