Current Policy Landscape
Nepal’s waste management policies are fragmented and weakly enforced, with limited infrastructure and institutional capacity. The informal sector plays a major role in recycling, but its operations are largely unregulated and unsupported2.
Nepal’s waste management policies are fragmented and weakly enforced, with limited infrastructure and institutional capacity. The informal sector plays a major role in recycling, but its operations are largely unregulated and unsupported2.
Steps for Effective EPR Implementation
Learning from International Experience
Countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea have successfully implemented EPR frameworks, achieving high recycling rates and reducing environmental impact. These countries have established producer responsibility organizations, clear targets, and robust enforcement mechanisms2.
Challenges and Solutions
Conclusion
A phased, inclusive approach to EPR implementation can help Nepal achieve its sustainability goals and transform its waste management system. By learning from international best practices and adapting them to the local context, Nepal can build a cleaner, greener future for all.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Successful EPR implementation requires collaboration between government, industry, civil society, and the informal sector. All stakeholders must be involved in policy design, implementation, and monitoring24.
- Capacity Building: Training and technical support are needed to build the capacity of local authorities, waste workers, and producers.
- Infrastructure Investment: Developing recycling and collection systems is essential for ensuring that EPR targets are met.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to promote responsible consumption and waste segregation are critical for changing behavior and ensuring compliance26.
Learning from International Experience
Countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea have successfully implemented EPR frameworks, achieving high recycling rates and reducing environmental impact. These countries have established producer responsibility organizations, clear targets, and robust enforcement mechanisms2.
Challenges and Solutions
- Regulatory Gaps: Clear and enforceable regulations are needed to ensure that all producers participate and meet their obligations.
- Informal Sector Integration: The informal sector must be formally recognized and integrated into the EPR framework to ensure its continued contribution to recycling2.
- Sustainable Funding: Financing mechanisms must be developed to ensure the long-term viability of EPR systems.
Conclusion
A phased, inclusive approach to EPR implementation can help Nepal achieve its sustainability goals and transform its waste management system. By learning from international best practices and adapting them to the local context, Nepal can build a cleaner, greener future for all.
References
- Tribhuvan University Journal: "Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Nepal: A Transformative Policy Strategy for Sustainable Waste Management"21
- Doko Recyclers: "Roundtable Discussion on Plastic Waste Management and Role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Circularity in Nepal"4
- Global Peace Foundation: "Green Homes: Green Kathmandu Project Brings Sustainable Development to Nepalese Families"6
