How Nepal can tackle plastic pollution through CSR and EPR
From the sacred banks of the Bagmati River to the trails of the Annapurna Circuit, plastic waste is now a visible part of Nepal’s landscape. The rise in plastic consumption—driven by urbanization, tourism, and changing lifestyles—has outpaced our ability to manage it effectively. Nepal currently generates over 450 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily, much of which ends up in rivers, landfills, or open dumping sites. But this problem is not insurmountable. With a bold vision and strategic alignment of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Nepal can pivot from crisis to opportunity—and move toward a circular economy that benefits people, planet, and profit.
Despite bans on plastic bags in several municipalities, enforcement remains weak. The informal waste sector continues to shoulder the burden of collection and segregation, often with minimal support and recognition. Recycling infrastructure is scattered and under-resourced, and most plastic packaging is non-recyclable or economically not viable to process. This situation is compounded by Nepal’s mountainous terrain, limited municipal capacity, and lack of awareness among consumers. Yet, there is growing momentum to address the issue, and the private sector must be central to this change.
Environmental projects, particularly plastic waste management, receive limited attention. However, with the growing urgency around waste and climate, companies can—and must—go beyond token initiatives. CSR funds can play a vital role in addressing plastic pollution by supporting a range of targeted initiatives. These include investing in plastic collection infrastructure in both cities and rural municipalities to ensure efficient waste management. Additionally, funds can be directed toward providing training and safety measures for waste workers, with a special focus on empowering women and marginalized groups. Public awareness campaigns can also be supported to encourage segregation of waste at the source and reduce overall plastic consumption. Furthermore, CSR contributions can drive innovation in sustainable solutions, such as reusable packaging, biodegradable alternatives, and upcycling ventures, fostering a more circular economy. Importantly, CSR should not be seen as charity, but as a strategic investment in sustainability, brand value, and long-term resilience.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a powerful concept—making producers accountable for the plastic waste they generate. While EPR is gaining policy attention in Nepal, it remains largely unimplemented. However, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) holds immense potential to transform waste management in Nepal. It can shift the financial burden of managing waste from municipalities to manufacturers, incentivizing producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. EPR also encourages eco-design, promoting the creation of products that are easier to reuse or recycle. Additionally, it can facilitate the development of reverse logistics systems, where used packaging is collected directly from consumers.
At the heart of the solution lies the idea of a circular economy—where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, then recovered and reused. For plastic, this means moving from ‘use and throw’ to designing out waste from the beginning. Nepal’s path to circularity can be strengthened through a combination of grassroots initiatives, innovative enterprises, and supportive policies. Community-based recycling centers, backed by CSR funds and local governments, can serve as local hubs for waste collection and processing. Social enterprises also have a crucial role to play by transforming plastic waste into valuable products such as tiles, furniture, or materials for road surfacing, turning pollution into opportunity.
At the policy level, incentives for companies that incorporate recycled content into their products can encourage sustainable production practices. Additionally, green public procurement policies that prioritize sustainable packaging and environmentally friendly products can drive demand for circular solutions and set a strong example for the private sector.
Plastic waste is not just a technical problem—it’s a systems failure. It reflects how we design products, run businesses, and value natural resources. But it also offers a chance to innovate, collaborate, and rebuild. If Nepal wants to preserve its natural beauty, support green jobs, and achieve its climate and SDG commitments, the private sector must step up. CSR and EPR should not be seen as obligations, but as tools to build resilience and responsibility.
It is a basic right to breathe clean
The world celebrated the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Sept 7. Yet, nearly 99 percent of the global population breathes polluted air. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), air pollution causes approximately seven million premature deaths annually, making it the leading environmental threat to human health and one of the top preventable causes of death and disease worldwide.
Air pollution doesn’t respect borders—it travels great distances and worsens environmental degradation, economic strain, and social inequalities. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly are disproportionately affected, and ecosystems suffer severe damage. Many pollutants also drive the climate crisis, meaning that improving air quality can contribute significantly to climate change mitigation.
A 2019 World Bank report estimated the global cost of air pollution-related health damage at a staggering $81trn, accounting for 6.1 percent of the world's GDP. However, in Nepal, the right to breathe clean air is enshrined in our Constitution. Article 30 guarantees every citizen's right to a clean environment, stating that individuals have the right to live in a healthy and clean environment and that polluters must compensate those harmed by environmental degradation.
Yet, this same article includes a clause allowing legal provisions to balance environmental protection with development for the sake of national growth. While this enables industries and infrastructure projects, it has also been used to manipulate laws in favor of vested interests, often at the expense of the environment and public health.
In cities like Kathmandu, where air pollution is a chronic issue due to dense populations and heavy traffic, public health is severely compromised. Numerous reports show that prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality has forced residents to sacrifice their health, economic opportunities, education, and overall well-being. As the monsoon season ends, air pollution in Kathmandu worsens, leaving residents struggling for fresh air—a fundamental right recognized by our Constitution.
It is critical that we assert this constitutional right to clean air, which is being undermined by pollution. While many human rights defenders and organizations are working to safeguard environmental health, it is time for us to collectively recognize the violation of our basic rights and take decisive action to prevent further deprivation of clean air.
Amid several global crises, now is the moment to ensure air pollution does not become another overwhelming threat. Governments, INGOs, NGOs, industries, and individuals must unite to promote stricter environmental regulations, support green energy, and reduce vehicular emissions. By implementing these measures, we can ensure cleaner air for ourselves and future generations. Moreover, we must leverage technology, knowledge, and innovation to create sustainable solutions that preserve air quality and safeguard our health for the long term.
