Developing a measurable and verifiable recycling chain ensuring proper recollection and recycling of the various types of plastic waste across the untapped areas of the nation along with the social inclusion of waste workers.
Nepal has held a global reputation throughout its history for its unparalleled natural beauty, and diverse culture. However, due to rapid unplanned urbanization and the increasing consumption of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and plastics over the last three decades, cities in Nepal are struggling to manage the plastic waste properly. A study conducted by the World Bank in 2020 stated that 600 Metric Tons per Day (MTD) of plastic waste is dumped in the landfills across Nepal. Additionally, due to a limited number of recovery and recycling plants in Nepal, a majority of plastic waste recovered by informal channels. The waste is collected by privately owned waste collection centers where the majority of the waste workers work directly and indirectly. The informal sector plays a huge role in recovering recyclables from the dumped mixed waste, with 15,000 Waste Workers (WWs) active in just the Kathmandu Valley. However, they are also one of the most marginalized communities in Nepal, often the victims of discrimination and social exclusion. Despite the significant role of WWs in recovery and recycling, they haven’t been integrated into the system and lack recognition for their work. They are exploited in terms of working hours, wages, working conditions, and poor social support, hence affecting their livelihoods.
Project Prayaash with the main objective of fulfilling the gap in the current market, aims to develop a measurable and verifiable recycling chain ensuring proper recollection and recycling of the various types of plastic waste across the untapped areas of the nation along with the social inclusion of waste workers.
