A comprehensive study has been launched across 56 municipalities in Nepal to assess the scale, nature, and management of plastic waste, as the country grapples with growing environmental concerns tied to single-use plastics.

The research, commissioned by the Ministry of Forests and Environment, is being carried out by Abhni Digopana Kendra, an organisation that works for sustainable solutions. The initiative aims to produce a detailed report within six months, covering everything from household waste generation to plastic collection systems.

Engineer Gagan Sharma, one of the lead researchers, said the study is being conducted simultaneously in five municipalities in Gandaki Province—including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Baglung Municipality, Walling Municipality, Mungala Rural Municipality, and Gharapjhong Rural Municipality—as well as in dozens of others across the country.

“We’ve divided the study into four teams that include engineers and waste management specialists. We expect to have a full report by late June,” Sharma said.

The study will gather sample data from homes to collection centres, visiting each municipality three times. “We’re trying to find out how much plastic waste an average citizen generates and how it is currently being managed,” Sharma added.

Preliminary findings from Baglung Municipality indicate that plastic waste accounts for between 25 and 30 percent of the total solid waste—nearly double the global average of 14 percent.

“Our research in Baglung shows that 90 percent of the plastic waste in the market is single-use, with only 10 percent being reused,” Sharma noted. “This overreliance on single-use plastics has significantly increased plastic waste production.”

The last such nationwide study on plastic waste was conducted in 2013 by the Asian Development Bank, followed by another in 2020 supported by the World Bank.

Baglung Deputy Mayor Raju Khadka said the study would support more effective local waste management and help shape government policy. “Plastic waste threatens mountains, rivers, seas, and human health. If the government formulates practical policies based on this research, it will be a great help for municipalities,” he said.

The study’s findings are expected to contribute to national strategies aimed at reducing plastic pollution and encouraging more sustainable waste management practices across Nepal.