Solid Waste Management in Thamel

According to the study conducted by ENPHO (2010), Shanti Pujari Clinic Service established in 2046 is the only private sector involved in collection and management of waste in Thamel area. The study showed "there are 12 three wheeler pullers (volume 23.2 cubic ft) owned by private sector. Door-to door collection system is used to collect the waste early in the morning from hotels, restaurants and households in 26 trips by three wheeler puller each day. Daily waste from business centers are collected through 3 trips in the afternoon".

It was observed that waste collected from Thamel area was transferred to the container (volume 576 cubic ft) provided by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) at Dhlako transfer station, Bishnumati river side. All waste that can be recycled is segregated by four waste separators for selling it to Kawadi. Secondarily, waste was taken to Sisdol landfill site through KMC’s vehicle by replacing the old container with new one. Data showed that 2389 kg (22.67%) of the recyclable inorganic waste are sold to Kawadi, 1,954.62 kg (19.97%) of organic waste are taken by 22 pig farmers directly from the Thamel area and only small amount of waste is taken from Dhalko by two people involved in waste segregation. Most of the waste 6046.6 kg (57.37%) is taken to landfill site which is mostly organic waste.

Comparing the number of beer and mineral water bottle produced in season and off-season, it was found that beer bottles are generated 3 times more than off-season and mineral bottles are produced 2 times more than off-season. Currently, beer bottles are sold to bottle collector weekly with the cost of each bottle from NRs 1.5 to 2.25. Almost all hotels throw mineral water bottles as a waste.

"Conclusion:
•In a total 10.54 tons of waste are collected daily from 2200 hotels/restaurants/shops/houses out of which 68.36% are organic.
•Data showed that 22.67% of the recycled waste are sold to Kawadi, 19.97% of waste are taken by 22 pig farmers directly from the Thamel area and only 57.37% waste is taken to landfill site.
•Total amount of waste generated by per person per day in 150 restaurants was 0.29 kg.
•The existing practice of collection of waste and coordination between waste collector is effective
•Collection of waste by private sector even during strike is appreciated by hotels and restaurants

Recommendations:
•Hotels and restaurants have recommended to collect waste very early morning
•Waste can be used for composting and production of bio-gas
•Proper system for collection of waste by pig farmers should be developed and they should be encouraged to collect the waste
•Multiple vendors should be introduced for competitive market and proper management of waste
•Waste collectors and segregators should be encouraged to use the safety measures during handling wastes".

Source: ENPHO (2010) Final Report on Study of Solid Waste Management in Thamel Area.