The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Greener way, Bhutan’s first private waste management firm’s hopes to transform the face of waste management in the capital received further impetus when the government allotted it an acre of land below the fly over bridge near the truck parking for the construction of a Material Recover Facility (Transfer Station).
Transfer station is a centre wherein the wastes collected from different sources are disposed and segregated. Recyclable wastes are extracted and processed for recycling. Since most of the wastes disposed are recyclable, the transfer station will enable the recyclable wastes to be diverted from the landfill. The construction of the transfer station is estimated to cost around Nu 15 million.
The Greener Ways CEO, Karma Yonten, said “Around 35 more jobs will be created this year” and most importantly, the environment will be protected cutting down the emission of methane gas, which is responsible for global warming. Methane gas is generated if wastes are left untreated in the landfill.
Before Greener Ways came into existence, all wastes collected from Thimphu used to reach Memelakha. Now the waste volume at Memelakha has reduced by 20%, especially pet bottles, carton boxes, broken glasses, and rubber which are bought by Greener Ways.
Bhutan seriously needs a proper and professional waste management system starting from Thimphu. As a value addition, the transfer station will have a waste information and education centre (WIEC).
Greener Way plans to operate the transfer by the first week of May, if things go according to plan. This year on March 8, Greener Way will be celebrating its third anniversary.
