Thimphu - Bhutan has taken a significant step toward strengthening its waste governance framework with the successful completion of the Final Validation Workshop on the revision of the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) 2019. The two-day workshop, held on 11-12 December 2025 in Thimphu, was organized by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and brought together a broad range of national stakeholders.
Representatives from government agencies, local governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations participated in the workshop, reflecting the multi-sectoral nature of waste management in Bhutan. The gathering served as the final platform to collectively review and validate the revised strategic pillars, action plans, and implementation framework of the NWMS.
According to DECC, the revised strategy has been aligned with current national priorities and emerging waste challenges, while reinforcing Bhutan’s long-term vision of transitioning toward a zero-waste society. Discussions during the workshop focused on ensuring that the strategy is not only policy-oriented but also practical, implementable, and responsive to realities on the ground.
A key component of the workshop was a site visit to the Memeylakha landfill in Thimphu. Participants observed firsthand the operational conditions, capacity constraints, and environmental challenges associated with urban waste disposal. The visit underscored the urgency of strengthening waste reduction, segregation, recycling, and treatment systems, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers.
Stakeholders noted that lessons from the landfill visit reinforced the need for an integrated waste management approach-one that combines policy reform, institutional coordination, private sector engagement, and public participation.
The workshop concluded with a strong consensus among participants to support the implementation of the revised NWMS. Stakeholders expressed commitment to advancing an effective, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable waste management system that aligns with Bhutan’s broader goals of environmental conservation, climate resilience, and Gross National Happiness.
With the validation process now complete, the revised National Waste Management Strategy is expected to guide Bhutan’s waste management efforts in the coming years, translating policy intent into coordinated action on the ground.
