Solid waste management is one of the perennial problems of the Kathmandu Valley. Though various efforts have been made for the effective management of solid waste, it continues to worry Kathmanduites as much as people in the other urban areas of Nepal.

Human beings produce solid waste at all levels of socio-economic development. The production is not only closely linked with human behaviour and attitude but is also associated with modern development. Rapid urbanisation has also made it difficult for the Government of Nepal (GoN) to cope with increasing demand for solid waste management in the capital. Reports state that the state of Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Nepal is extremely poor and recycling of sewage and industrial waste practically does not exist. Consequently, inadequate processing and improper handling of solid waste is posing a risk to public health.

In the past, until 1980, there was no organised SWM system in Nepal. The Government of Nepal initiated solid waste management in 1980 only after the implementation of the project with foreign aid assistance.

Gokarna Land Fill Site (GLFS) is first landfill site, which was developed under the assistance of GTZ. Initial project design, despite the suitability of the site, poor landfill management operation along with other disputes resulted in opposition to landfill operations

after a few years. The site was closed when locals strongly opposed the operation of site and claimed that mismanagement of waste at the landfill site had deteriorated the water quality and the surrounding environment.

Despite several attempts, the government is failing to tackle SWM issue. Instead of developing strong and sustainable mechanism, every time superficial measures have been employed. In fact, the problem of solid waste management is not only a technical but social matter as well. Technology alone may not be successful in solving the problem permanently. It is the people and the communities who have to play a greater role in its success. To ensure the success of SWM, it has to be tied up with the communities who are directly involved in it. For this, GoN has to develop appropriate policy, legislation and institution in this sector.

Involvement of NGOs could largely contribute to resolving the problem. In a study conducted by Devkota (2006), local people were not only found to be aware of the perils of unsystematic waste disposal system but communities around the waste disposal sites also expressed willingness to get involved in improving the solid waste management system. Considering

the facts, community based solid waste management would be the best solution to effective management of solid waste. It is time for the government to formulate new policies, legislation and build up institutional setups that will help to develop an effective and environmental-friendly solid waste management system.