Byas turns waste into income

By Amarraj Naharki

Tanahun, Apr. 10: Byas Municipality in Tanahun has generated significant revenue by classifying and selling waste at the source.

Under its “waste to wealth” campaign, the municipality earned Rs. 1.713 million over the eight months from mid-July to mid-March in the current fiscal year 2025/26 (2082/83).

The 234th meeting of the municipal executive has also decided to move ahead with the process of acquiring land for the sustainable management of waste. 

Mayor Baikuntha Neupane said permission has been sought from the government for the proposed land purchase. Until approval is granted, the municipality plans to issue a public notice to lease private or public land for temporary waste management for a period of three to 10 years.

The municipality currently collects around 15 tonnes of non-biodegradable and seven tonnes of biodegradable waste daily. Deputy Mayor Indira Darai said that since last year, items such as plastic, cloth, metal and glass have been segregated and sold, turning waste into a source of income.

A baling machine has been installed within the municipal premises to store and manage non-biodegradable waste, she added.

The municipality sells aluminium at Rs. 60 per kg, iron at Rs. 35, tin at Rs. 25, bottles at Rs. 23, and paper products such as notebooks at Rs. 14 to Rs. 16 per kg.

Previously, waste was managed along the banks of the Madi River in Byas-3. However, after the contract period expired, sorting and management are now being carried out from within the municipal office premises. Biodegradable waste is being handled at a cow protection centre in Bhateri, Byas-10.