Key Takeaways:

• New Waste Management Bill proposes fines up to Rs 1m for improper hazardous waste disposal
• Local governments empowered to levy fines from Rs 500 to Rs1m, plus disposal costs
• Offences include dumping household waste in public places, failing to segregate waste, and improper disposal of industrial, healthcare, electronic and construction waste
• Bill aims to clarify federal, provincial and local roles, promote recycling and resource recovery under circular economy principles

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 18 The government has proposed a new Waste Management Bill with fines of up to Rs 1 million for offences involving hazardous waste, alongside measures to clarify responsibilities across Nepal's three tiers of government. The draft law seeks to define the roles of federal, provincial and local governments in waste generation, collection, transportation, disposal and reduction. It also provides for public-private partnerships, co-investment, technology transfer and inter-local cooperation. Under the proposed provisions, local governments can impose fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1 million, depending on the offence. Improper disposal of hazardous waste could attract the maximum fine, in addition to disposal costs. The bill also proposes fines and/or imprisonment for obstructing waste collection and disposal services, with penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000, 15 days to three months' imprisonment, or both. Damaging or removing a public dustbin could attract a fine of Rs15,000 to Rs50,000, along with recovery of the cost of repairing or replacing it. Operating a commercial waste-management service without the required permit could result in a fine of Rs15,000 to Rs50,000 and suspension of the activity until a permit is obtained. Punishable offences include dumping household waste in public places, failing to segregate waste at source, and improper disposal of chemical, industrial, healthcare, electronic and construction waste. A person dissatisfied with a decision of a local government or chief district officer may appeal to the district court within 35 days. Officials said the new law is necessary because the existing Waste Management Act, 2068 does not adequately reflect Nepal's federal structure or define provincial roles. The bill also aims to promote recycling and resource recovery in line with the circular economy concept.