Waste Turns to Wealth: Byas Municipality Earns Rs 1.45 Million from Recycling Drive

Tanahun: Byas Municipality has generated more than Rs 1.45 million in revenue through the sale of recycled waste during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, turning a persistent waste management challenge into a growing source of income.

Between mid-July 2025 and mid-February 2026, the municipality earned Rs 1,450,611 by selling recyclable materials, including glass and other reusable waste products.

Chief Administrative Officer Sukadev Lamsal said the income was made possible after the municipality began systematically collecting segregated waste from households. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste are gathered separately to streamline disposal and recycling.

“Collecting all waste together creates complications,” Lamsal explained. “We use separate vehicles for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, which makes management more efficient and allows us to sell recyclable materials.”

According to municipal officials, the initiative has not only improved sanitation standards but also strengthened internal revenue generation.

Mayor Baikuntha Neupane said waste segregation has been practised from the very start of the collection process. Within the non-biodegradable category, items such as glass, plastic and paper are further sorted and compressed using machinery before being sold.

The municipality has also conducted awareness campaigns targeting households, ward offices and school leaders to promote effective waste segregation at source.

Officials say the sale of non-biodegradable materials collected from municipal offices and communities is helping offset waste management costs while encouraging environmentally responsible practices.

Local authorities believe the model could serve as an example for other municipalities seeking sustainable solutions to urban waste challenges.  

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