Damauli (Tanahun), — Vyas Municipality has demonstrated an exemplary model of waste management by converting waste into revenue, earning over NPR 1.05 million within just five months through the sale of recyclable waste materials.

According to Chief Administrative Officer Sukdev Lamsal, the municipality generated NPR 1,059,704 from August to December of the current fiscal year by selling recyclable items such as plastic bottles, aluminum, tin, iron, paper, cardboard, books, notebooks, and glass.

To improve efficiency, the municipality has introduced source-level waste segregation, collecting biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste separately using different vehicles. This approach has significantly reduced management challenges and improved recycling outcomes.

The initiative was implemented with technical guidance from sanitation expert Krishna Bhandari, who has previously led successful waste segregation projects in Dhangadhi and Waling.

Mayor Baikuntha Neupane stated that non-biodegradable waste such as plastic, glass, and paper is now separated, machine-compressed, and sold, creating a sustainable income stream for the municipality.

The municipality has also conducted awareness programs across neighborhoods, wards, and schools to educate citizens on proper waste segregation practices. Non-biodegradable waste is currently sorted and sold from the municipal office premises.

Biodegradable waste, on the other hand, is managed at the Dumsi-based Cow Conservation Center, where it is used to produce biogas. Currently, the municipality collects approximately 11 tons of waste daily from wards 2, 3, and 4 in the market area.