Women-Led Waste Innovation Transforms Plastic Management in Lalitpur

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Women-Led Waste Innovation Transforms Plastic Management in Lalitpur

Women-Led Waste Innovation Transforms Plastic Management in Lalitpur

Ecosphere News correspondent 2026-03-23 17:47:39

Lalitpur - A practical model of sustainable plastic waste management is taking shape in Dhapakhel, where a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) supported by United Nations Development Programme is demonstrating how local action can drive national environmental change.
During a recent field visit, representatives from The Coca-Cola Foundation, alongside the UNDP Nepal Resident Representative and the Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, observed firsthand how municipal waste is being transformed into economic and environmental value.
The facility processes around 70 tonnes of waste daily collected from four municipalities. Of this, approximately 4 to 5 tonnes-primarily plastic-are carefully segregated using specialized machinery. Notably, the entire operation is led by a team of women, highlighting the growing role of gender-inclusive approaches in Nepal’s waste management sector.
Once sorted, recyclable materials are compressed and supplied to recycling and upcycling industries, enabling them to re-enter the production cycle. This process significantly reduces the burden on landfill sites while generating income, turning waste into a valuable resource.
The initiative is part of UNDP’s Plastics Circularity Project, implemented with support from The Coca-Cola Foundation. The project aims to strengthen waste management systems across Nepal by promoting segregation at source, improving recycling infrastructure, and supporting waste workers.
From the Kathmandu Valley to regions such as Khumbu, Lumbini, Butwal, and Dhangadhi, the project is expanding its impact-building Material Recovery Facilities and encouraging a shift towards a circular economy. By doing so, it not only addresses the growing plastic waste crisis but also creates livelihood opportunities and fosters sustainable urban development.
As Nepal faces increasing environmental challenges linked to waste and urbanization, such initiatives offer a scalable and inclusive pathway-where community participation, private sector support, and international collaboration come together to turn plastic waste into opportunity.
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Published Date 2026-03-23 17:47:39