Material Flow Analysis of Plastic Waste in Nepal

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive plastic waste inventory of Nepal using material flow analysis. The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) plastic waste inventory toolkit was adopted for examining plastic waste generation, management practices, and leakage pathways across 13 local governments. Primary data were collected from eight sites through field sampling, while surveys and secondary data supported analysis in five additional municipalities. A stratified random sampling approach was used which generated 2,056 samples across households, commercial establishments, institutions, healthcare facilities, and religious as well as historical sites. The findings indicate that Nepal generates approximately 5,329 tons of municipal solid waste daily (1.97 million tons annually), of which 16% is plastic, equivalent to 865 tons per day (315,618 tons annually). Per capita plastic waste generation varies significantly, with metropolitan areas producing the highest amounts. Material flow analysis shows that 83% (87,679 tons/year) of plastic waste is collected, while 17% (54,061 tons/year) remains uncollected and is often burned, buried, or otherwise unmanaged. Only 14% plastics is recycled (43,833 tons/year), while over half (162,790 tons/year) is disposed of in controlled or uncontrolled sites. Approximately 17% (52,887 tons/year) leaks into the environment across the waste management chain. When accounting for open dumping; excluded in the standard methodology, mismanaged plastic waste rises from 34% to 59%. These findings underscore the urgent need for Nepal for transition towards a circular economy and zero waste approach, prioritizing improved waste systems, reduced plastic consumption, and stronger policy implementation.