Lessons learned from solid waste management in Kathmandu, Nepal

The solid waste management system in the capital city of Kathmandu has undergone many changes over past several years. Before the implementation of the GTZ supported project in 1981, waste management was the responsibility of the municipality and people. During the project period it became a responsibility of primarily the Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilization Center (SWM-RMC), though the municipality also continued to be involved to some extent. However, the latterʹs role has become relatively more important especially after the termination of the project in 1993. Despite periodic changes in the management system, solid waste could never be effectively managed. This paper examines the weaknesses and strengths of the changing management systems and then suggests policies for sustainable solid waste management.