Don't Waste The Waste

The inadequate and underdeveloped recycling and disposal options for plastic waste present a significant ecological challenge in Nepal. When it comes to plastic pollution, the biggest problem is posed by low-value plastic (LVP), for example food wrappers, milk and oil bags, toothpaste tubes or thin sachets. The costs associated with collecting and processing LVPs surpass the revenue generated from the sales of recovered plastic. This economic disparity, coupled with ineffective regulations, lead to a situation where the majority of LVPs are either openly burned or discarded in nature, including in numerous unsanitary landfills. There, they degrade into microplastics, releasing toxins that contaminate soil and waterways, posing significant risks to humans and the environment.

Furthermore, the local waste industry is in its early stages, often lacking essential infrastructure investments, effective regulations and governmental oversight, experience in efficient and effective waste management and failing to meet basic safety standards. Working conditions in the waste sector can be described as inhumane.

Our vision is that of a plastic-free environment and nature. We are on a mission to reintegrate LVP into the value chain, invest in the Nepali recycling infrastructure and uplift the local waste management industry’s standards.

REVALUE PROJECT

Don't Waste The Waste

>600 t

of plastic waste are produced every day in Nepal

6

of the 293 urban local bodies have constructed landfill sites; the rest is dumping in open areas

76%

of municipalities do not have policies/programs for managing plastic waste

Our Solution

We are on a path to redefine the perception of LVP from problematic waste to a valuable resource by reintegrating it into the value chain. We are developing innovative, scalable, research-based solutions while investing in local recycling centres.

We have established a Social Business model based on the Plastic Credit (PC) concept. PCs generated by each ton of LVP we recycle or appropriately dispose of in Nepal are sold to companies that genuinely aim to reduce their plastic consumption and wish to take responsibility for the remaining part. Revenue from PCs subsidise the collection and recycling process, enabling the utilisation of LVP in, for example, road construction.

In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute and other academic partners, we have developed an innovative process for utilising LVP as a bitumen replacement in road construction, enhancing their quality and durability, while lowering the costs.

We are committed to collaborate with local waste industry stakeholders, sharing our expertise and inspiring an entrepreneurial approach to combat plastic pollution. Additionally, we lead by example and provide guidance to our partners in uplifting standards. We strive to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for waste sector workers, advocating for protective equipment, fair wages, job security, and accident insurance – we not only promote these aspects but also demand them from every actor we cooperate with.

We are committed to doing whatever it takes so that the plastic does not end up in nature, polluting the fragile Nepali environment and endangering the public health. We are proving that used plastic is a resource, not a waste.

Our Solution

Our Impact

Decreased environmental harm:
by pioneering LVP recycling in Nepal, proposing economically viable and innovative solutions

Ensuring safe working conditions:
by setting an example, advocating, and demanding implementation of high standards and safeguards

Fighting pollution at the source:
by running awareness campaigns in schools, public institutions and local communities

Advancing the local waste industry:
by providing research-based solutions and knowledge transfers to local stakeholders

Improved waste management:
by investing in waste collection infrastructure, financing urgently needed machinery and recycling centers

Increased public awareness and informed decision-making:
by publishing multiple reports and research on current the Nepali waste sector

Our Research Findings

2023 | Status Report on Plastic Collection and Recycling Sector of Nepal

Explore the current landscape of Nepal’s plastic waste management and discover how the innovative ReValue project aims to transform low-value plastics into a sustainable resource. This comprehensive report highlights the economic, technological, and political challenges, offering a roadmap for revolutionizing waste management in Nepal.

READ REPORT

2023 | Feasibility Study Plastic Roads Technology Transfer to Nepal

Could low-value plastic waste become a resource instead of a disposal issue in Nepal? This report examines the innovative ReValue Method, exploring its potential to repurpose plastic waste into a vital component for building more durable and sustainable roads. Uncover the challenges and opportunities for implementing this technology in Nepal’s unique environment.

READ REPORT

2023 | Plastic Credits as a Financing Mechanism for Plastic Collection and Recycling Initiatives

Can Plastic Credits close the funding gap for sustainable plastic waste management in Nepal? This report delves into the emerging Plastic Credit market, exploring its potential as a financing mechanism for waste management initiatives in the Global South. Learn how this innovative approach could support low-value plastic recycling while navigating the challenges of a fragmented and unregulated market.

READ REPORT

What Happened so Far?

Initial proof of concept

We successfully demonstrated the first proof of concept for the ReValue business model. This entailed the collection, processing, and recycling of 9 tons of LVP waste, either in road construction or for use as Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF). All activities were meticulously tracked, allowing us to claim and sell Plastic Credits through our partners in the Global North. Preliminary assessments confirm the economic feasibility of our concept when implemented at a larger scale.

Development of 2 recycling centres

Over the course of 2022 and 2023, we provided comprehensive support to two local partners in the development of two recycling center. This support included different processing machines, supplementary equipment, financial aid, and expert advice for the construction and management of their collection and recycling centres.

Nepal's first Plastic Credits

In collaboration with our local partner we have become the first entity to offer Plastic Credits in Nepal. We are presenting these credits to clients in the Global North through our partner WasteReduction.

Waste management excellence

With the goal of obtaining certification under the Verra Plastic Waste Reduction Standard, we have established the highest standards in environmental protection, occupational health and safety, social safeguards, stakeholder engagement, and quality management within our waste management operations.

Research for impact

Sponsored by the Export Initiative Environmental Protection (EXI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, we have conducted extensive research on plastic waste management in Nepal; assessing the viability of Plastic Roads in Nepal; and exploring Plastic Credits as catalyst for environmental entrepreneurship in plastic waste management in the Global South.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

CONTACT

FABIEN MATTHIAS

CO-FOUNDER & CEO

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

CONTACT

FABIEN MATTHIAS

CO-FOUNDER & CEO