Tackling Waste Management Challenges in Rural Nepal: Insights from Sundar Basti

Tackling Waste Management Challenges in Rural Nepal: Insights from Sundar Basti

Every year, the world generates over 2 billion metric tons of waste—a staggering figure that poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability and public health. In rural areas like Sundar Basti in Nepal's Dhading District, these challenges are compounded by limited infrastructure and resources. Yet, amidst these difficulties lies a story of resilience and potential for change, as revealed in a recent thesis by Bhagawoti Lama.

A Deep Dive into Rural Waste Management

Lama's thesis, "Impacts of Waste Management: A Study of Sundar Basti, Thakre Rural Municipality – 11, Dhading," submitted to Tribhuvan University in 2025 as part of her Master of Arts in Rural Development, offers a detailed analysis of waste management practices in this small Nepalese community. With a population of about approx. 800 people across 190 households, Sundar Basti represents countless rural areas facing similar struggles. The study connects local challenges to broader national and global contexts, where waste management remains a pressing concern.

The research employed a descriptive design, gathering data from 100 households through surveys, interviews, and observations. Its findings paint a vivid picture of the current state of waste management in Sundar Basti.

Methodology and Data Extraction

Data was collected from a sample of 100 households using simple random sampling, with tools including questionnaires, field surveys, and key informant interviews. Data analysis involved statistical methods and visualizations like charts and tables, providing a robust basis for the overview and article.

The summary revealed demographic details, such as 61% male and 39% female respondents, with occupations dominated by agriculture (38%) and self-employment (36%). Education levels varied, with 35% having primary education and 18% illiterate, offering insights into the community's socio-economic context.

Key Findings and Analysis

The study revealed a complex mix of waste management practices:

• Waste Disposal Practices:
  • Composting was practiced by 58%, backyard dumping by 35%, and roadside/riverside dumping by 27%, with only 10% using designated sites.
  • Waste segregation was done by 76%, but 24% did not segregate, indicating a need for education.
• Awareness and Infrastructure:
  • 68% recognized the environmental harm of improper disposal, but infrastructure was lacking—no recycling/composting services (92%) and no door-to-door collection (100%).
  • Social media was the primary information source on recycling for 52%, suggesting potential for digital outreach.
• Challenges:
  • Major barriers included cost (76%), lack of alternatives (80%), and convenience of single-use plastics (64%).
  • Local government efforts were deemed insufficient by 56% of respondents.
• Positive Practices:
  • 84% composted food/yard waste, and 84% reused items like clothing and furniture, showing potential for sustainable practices.

These findings were organized into a table for clarity:

This table summarizes the key statistics, making it easier to understand the community's waste management landscape.

Awareness of the environmental consequences of improper disposal exists—68% of respondents acknowledged its harm. Yet, this awareness is not matched by action due to significant barriers:

• No recycling or composting services (92% reported Non available).
• No door-to-door waste collection (100% unavailable).
• Social media serves as a key source of information on recycling for 52% of the community, suggesting untapped potential for education.

Challenges include the high cost of alternatives (76%), lack of viable options (80%), and the convenience of single-use plastics (64%). Despite these obstacles, there are glimmers of hope: 84% of residents compost organic waste, and an equal percentage reuse items like clothing and furniture, reflecting a cultural predisposition toward sustainability that can be harnessed for improvement.

Path Forward: Recommendations for Change

Lama's research emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration between communities and local governments. While awareness exists, translating it into action requires tangible support and infrastructure. The study proposes several actionable recommendations:

1. Infrastructure Development: Establish accessible recycling and composting facilities to provide alternatives to improper disposal methods.
2. Education and Awareness: Launch targeted campaigns to educate residents on waste segregation, reduction, and recycling, leveraging social media and community gatherings.
3. Regulation and Incentives: Implement stricter regulations on waste disposal while offering incentives for sustainable practices to encourage compliance.
4. Community Engagement: Foster community-led initiatives such as clean-up drives and waste management committees to build ownership and sustainability.

These measures not only aim to improve immediate environmental and health conditions in Sundar Basti but also serve as a blueprint for other rural communities facing similar challenges.

A Call to Action for Rural Nepal

The thesis by Bhagawoti Lama provides a crucial examination of waste management in rural Nepal, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities for improvement. By addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing community awareness, and fostering collaboration between residents and local authorities, significant strides can be made toward creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable rural environments. As Nepal continues to develop, integrating effective waste management practices will be essential for preserving its natural beauty and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

Citations:

• Lama, B. (2025). Impacts of Waste Management: A Study of Sundar Basti, Thakre Rural Municipality – 11, Dhading. Master's Thesis, Tribhuvan University.

Key Citations

• Impacts of Waste Management thesis by Bhagawoti Lama