Composting of organic waste can fetch multiple benefits

Experts mention that composting, especially at the household level, is a growing practice for managing organic waste, offering benefits like reducing landfill waste, creating valuable fertilizer and promoting environmental sustainability in Nepal and elsewhere. 

When the types of wastes are usually organic in nature which was composted to use as manure in the kitchen garden and in fields. This practice was evident in the Kathmandu Valley as well. However, in the later years when the city sprawled rapidly, and the government asked the residents to dump the waste in containers on the roads, the practice of composting declined.

In this context, at least, the tradition of composting which was once followed should be considered to retainfor various reasons including solid waste management, environmental concerns and most importantly reducing dumping sites, experts argue.

Composting being and useful way of minimizing methane gas by decomposing the waste in proper way; it has now been practiced in many countries worldwide after the realization of the shortcomings of outcome of other waste disposal practices. It is not different in case of Nepal where environmental impacts are almost neglected while managing solid waste. Thus, poor planning and management is continuously resulting to environmental degradation and ecological imbalance.

Taking simply, composting is the breakdown of organic materials such as kitchen or garden waste by organisms that feed on waste and convert it into a dark, crumbly, earth-smelling mixture. This mixture can then be used as a soil conditioner, a fertilizer and as a natural pesticide for soil. However, composting is not a new idea. It is simple and natural process that continuously occurs in nature, often without any assistance from mankind. 

Composting is important and can fetch benefits in Nepal’s context. So as a significant portion of Nepal’s solid waste is organic, making composting an effective solution for waste management. Composting reduces methane emissions from landfills, a potent greenhouse gas, and helps conserve soil health. Compost can replace expensive chemical fertilizers, benefiting farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. Composting initiatives can create jobs and improve overall community well-being. 

Many Nepalese households are adopting composting practices, often using simple methods like bin composting.

Some municipalities and organizations are promoting composting at a larger scale, providing training and resources to communities.

Private entrepreneurs and some organizations supported by INGOs or other institutions involved in large-scale composting, producing high-quality compost for local use.

Using earthworms to break down organic waste is also gaining popularity, offering another effective composting method.

Various organizations are providing training and support to individuals and communities on composting techniques and best practices. 

Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, extending the lifespan of existing sites and reducing the need for new ones. 

Since more than 70% of the solid waste generated in Nepal is of organic origin, composting is one of the best ways to manage solid waste. Although there are no large scale compost plants in Nepal, some municipalities have small plants with a capacity to process about 6 tons of waste per day. However, some entrepreneurs are generously planning compost fertilizer production plants. A number of such plants can bring a sizable benefit to the entrepreneurs and also farmers including waste generating households and stakeholders. 

Some initiatives in the past are appreciated and still remembered. The action In 1984 with technical and financial assistance of GTZ, the government started composting of organic wastes at Teku (waste collecting center of Kathmandu) but due to the angry opposition of local residents on the ground with a complaint of bad odor, it stopped in 1991. Same problem also arose in another municipality of Bhaktapur but now it is being done in effective way by using windrow composting and manual composting method. Since then there is not any complaints of bad odor.

Several NGO’s such as WEPCO (Women’s Empowerment Preservation Committee), GEM/Nepal (Green Energy Mission/ Nepal), CWDC (Community welfare and development Society) are also practicing community composting. In these systems the waste is collected through door to door collection and then composted in piles in large chambers. The final compost is packed in bags and sold in the local market. The main targeted groups in such community composting are housewives, since most of the organic household waste is generated in the kitchens.

Although composting is being promoted by several NGOs and municipalities, it is still not enough. There still exists huge percentage of organic waste in the final garbage collected to be dumped at dumping sites. Community composting should be further encouraged. Motivating campaign programs should be organized to convince more people in household composting. Technical assistance is also necessary to speed up the task.

Composting experts and professionals these days are planning an influential movement for generating awareness in appropriate use of waste by composting. Nepal Compost Awareness Week (NCAW), 2025 will be a week long movement commencing from 4th May to 10th May. The participating organization – Government entity, International agencies, Non-Government organizations or private companies – will organize different event each day.  Moreover, high level leaders and high officials at concerned government entities, experts and professionals including academia and media will participate the events.   

Former Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Er Ganesh has been coordinating with the lead role the events and activities for the successful result of the Nepal Compost Awareness Week (NCAW), 2025. (By Purna N. Ranjitkar)