KATHMANDU, JUNE 25
Plastic pollution in Nepal is reaching dangerous levels, choking rivers, clogging drains, and piling up in landfills as authorities struggle to enforce existing regulations. Despite a ban on plastic bags below 20 microns issued in 2015, the use of single-use plastic has only increased, particularly in urban areas.
"Plastic is actually a genius invention," said Sudeep Bhandhari, Executive Director at the Nepal Environmental Research Institute (NERI). "But, it has become a challenge when they are discarded improperly," he said.
From vegetable markets in Kathmandu to tourist hubs in Pokhara, plastic bags are still used as a cheap and convenient packaging option for vendors and consumers alike. Enforcement of the ban has been inconsistent, with challenges rooted in public behaviour and attitude. "One of the biggest challenges in Nepal is awareness," said Dhirendra Kumar Pradhan, Joint Secretary (Technical) for the Environment & Biodiversity Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment. "These issues are often overlooked. Waste management is not seen as a priority, and many people still don't view sustainability as an urgent issue."
According to a research report on Status Report on Plastic Collection and Recycling Sector of Nepal, Nepal's growing plastic waste problem is accentuated by the projection to generate approximately 988.7 tons of plastic waste daily by 2023. A significant portion of this ends up in open dumping grounds or makes its way into rivers, contributing to water pollution and threatening aquatic biodiversity.
"Plastic pollution first affects the environment visually, with macroplastics like bags, bottles, and packaging materials degrading natural and urban aesthetics," said Bhandari. "As plastics break down into microplastics, they infiltrate ecosystems, entering soil, water, and the food chain. This poses serious health risks to humans, including respiratory issues, neurological damage, and cancer, especially when plastics are burned and release toxic substances like dioxins and furans."
During a ministerial-level discussion on 23 June in the House of Representatives regarding the national budget, Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi announced that the government will implement the previously formulated plastic bag control action plan.
Kathmandu Metropolitan Area alone produces 600 metric tons of waste per day among which 15.96% is plastic waste (ADB 2013). "Waste segregation reduces the volume of materials sent to landfills, extending their lifespan and allowing for proper management of biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, and non-recyclable waste," said Bhandari. "Without segregation, overused landfills quickly fill up, leading to environmental degradation, groundwater contamination, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Mixed waste limits recycling opportunities, exposes nearby communities to health hazards and foul odors, and releases toxic substances into rivers, farmland, and the air."
There have been some government-led and private efforts to promote biodegradable alternatives and reduce plastic dependency, but they remain limited in reach. Without adequate incentives, local manufacturers have struggled to scale up the production of eco-friendly materials, and consumers continue to opt for cheaper plastic options. ""Plastics below 40 microns are banned, and we are actively running a campaign to enforce this," said Pradhan. "The theme for World Environment Day 2025 is 'Ending Plastic Pollution.' We're issuing new guidelines on the ban, and also planning to provide alternatives, making biodegradable options more affordable for low-income buyers."
The long-term impacts of plastic pollution are increasingly alarming, with plastics persisting in the environment for hundreds of years and continuously releasing toxic substances. These pollutants contribute to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in ecosystems, posing severe health threats to both wildlife and humans. "Microplastics and associated toxins not only contaminate the soil, reducing agricultural productivity and food safety, but also contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions when burned," said Sudeep Bhandari.
Plastic production and consumption are rising rapidly, with millions of tons entering the environment each year, outpacing current waste management efforts. While cleanup and recycling help, they are not enough. "Cleanup and recycling alone are not enough. Innovators, resource managers, and policymakers must work together, developing biodegradable alternatives, enforcing stricter regulations, and ensuring producers take responsibility," Bhandari added. "Individuals should refuse single-use plastics, using reusable shopping bags and bottles, segregate plastic waste for recycling, and prevent plastics from reaching landfills and the open environment, and prioritize the use of eco-friendly products."
