The Thimphu Thromde plans to establish additional waste drop-off centres and increase waste fees to address the mounting waste management issues. The Thromde shared this during its second annual public consultation held last month. The Thromde also plans to expand the existing landfill at Memelakha if the Indian government approves a budget of around Nu 400 M.
Thimphu Thromde produces more than 50 metric tonnes of waste daily, comprising over 20 metric tonnes of wet waste and 30 metric tonnes of dry waste.
According to the thromde, about 30 waste collection trucks transport the wastes to the landfill at Memelakha, every day.
The Thromde plans to establish two new waste drop-off centres, one in Hejo and the other below Kelki School. There are nine existing waste drop-off centres.
“Waste drop-off centres allow residents to dispose of waste any time at their convenience, unlike the waste collector trucks. Therefore, these centres will benefit the residents when they miss the trucks,” said Sonam Wangchuk, Chief Environment Officer, Thimphu Thromde.
He added that people are still unaware of the need to segregate waste.
“They should understand that there is a variety of wastes under dry as well as wet. If they segregate, it will be very convenient to manage and recycle.”
The chief added that the Memelakha landfill site has exceeded its capacity.
As a result, the site has started producing leachate, a toxic liquid that contaminates soil and groundwater. The thromde collects and disposes of this liquid at Babesa sewage pond.
The Thimphu Thromde plans to expand the landfill by more than 45 acres and install equipment such as incinerators and leachate controllers.
Similarly, a facility under construction at Taba is expected to help manage dry wastes like bottles, plastics, metals and cartoons.
In addition, Greener Way, a waste service provider in Thimphu, is buying dry waste from residents at the drop-off centres.
The Bhutan Ecological Society is supporting the construction of new drop-off centres worth more than Nu 12 M. Construction works are expected to start by next month.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Phub Gyem
