A Case Study of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Nepal Compared to the Situation in the European Union and Sweden

Abstract

Nepal, situated in the Himalayan belt has a rapidly growing population together with high urbanisation rate. These factors are currently causing problems connected to municipal solid waste (MSW). E.g. leakage of hazardous substances to soil and surrounding aquatic systems, spread of odour and naturally unfamiliar materials to natural biotopes, all of which generate environmental damage and health problems. There are certain differences in waste generation and waste composition between urban areas of Nepal. In order to retrieve a broad picture of the current waste management situation, three population differentiated municipalities in different areas of the country were investigated. Studies of the MSW regarding composition and generation were conducted. Moreover, waste management in Nepal was compared with the basic waste management in the European Union (EU) and Sweden. Landfill sites (LFS) in Ghorahi Municipality, Pokhara Sub-metropolitan City and Kathmandu Metropolitan City were studied. Our studies show differences in waste composition, generation and management between the three locations. The differences are somewhat interconnected with population size and tourism. Cities with higher population and more tourism tend to have a higher generation and more diverse MSW. Nevertheless, the urban areas of Nepal are very much in need of a more structured waste management system, a system more alike the waste management of EU. Apart from structural problems, there are attitude and behavioural issues that needs to be dealt with. Further studies regarding social patterns, attitude and behaviour, as well as the economic flow of MSW, needs to be conducted in order to retrieve an even broader picture and understand important underlying issues.