Impacts / Circularity
MINIMIZING WASTE
BES combines public awareness, better waste systems, recycling, composting, and bioenergy to reduce pollution and keep valuable materials in productive use.
The Challenge
A GROWING MATERIAL FOOTPRINT
Urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption are increasing pressure on Bhutan's waste systems. The 2019 National Waste Inventory Survey estimated 172.16 metric tons of waste each day, with food, plastics, and paper making up the largest shares.
Household studies in Thimphu also show the daily scale of the issue. BES supports solutions that connect responsible consumption with practical separation, recovery, composting, and treatment.
Waste Data
WHAT'S IN BHUTAN'S WASTE STREAM
Food waste alone makes up more than half of what Bhutan throws away, per the 2019 National Waste Inventory Survey — a signal for where composting and source-reduction efforts matter most.
% of Total Waste
Waste Composition
Selected Work