Do you pick up a plastic wrapper when you see it on the ground, or do you walk past it? Many assume it’s someone else’s job, but that’s not true. With rising waste generation and improper disposal, waste management has become a national concern. However, if everyone takes responsibility for their waste, the problem becomes manageable. That’s the mission of ‘Trashnology Topper’, a waste management initiative. “Trashnology” promotes the mindset that trash should be responsibly disposed of.
Meet Namgay Wangchuk, a 47-year-old man driven by a mission to tackle waste management issues in the capital. He is the brainchild behind the ‘Trashnology Topper’ initiative.
Namgay formally started this initiative in 2022 which emphasises individual responsibility for waste management as a small yet vital contribution to the nation. He is currently serving as the General Manager of NRDCL.
Every weekend, Namgay along with supporters dedicate two to three hours picking up trash. They collect about 40-50 kilogrammes of waste every week.
Yesterday, BBS followed Namgay as he began cleaning near the Thai Temple footpath.
“There were times when Bhutan did not face the challenges related to waste management, but now owing to technology, globalisation and the rise in the population, this issue has been increasing with people’s irresponsible habits. We all prefer clean areas over littered ones, it becomes our responsibility to leave behind places clean after dirtying it. If only we realize the necessity of individual management of waste, the issue related to it could be decreased.”
He believes that the mindset of people has been a long-standing barrier to proper waste management.
“People tend to dispose of residential waste in the wrong places besides knowing its consequences. People dump their waste during hours when nobody is around, especially during night hours. They are aware that this is a harmful practice yet they continue to do it.”
Namgay believes waste management starts with individuals taking ownership. For him, picking up trash is a simple act anyone can undertake.
Namgay’s dedication earned him the National Order of Merit (Silver) from His Majesty The King during the 117th National Day last year.
Through perseverance and patience, Namgay strives to inspire others to take responsibility for their waste, believing small individual actions can lead to significant change over time.
Contributed by Interns (Pema Gyelmo, Tika Maya Subba, Ngawang Jamtsho, Karma P Wangmo & Oma Rai)
Edited by Sonam Pem
