Doko Recyclers launches sustainable plastic recovery facility in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Doko Recyclers, one of Nepal’s first social enterprises in waste management, has introduced a sustainable plastic recovery facility in Kathmandu Valley under the regional PLEASE Project (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia).

The project, supported by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), the World Bank, and UNOPS, aims to tackle plastic waste pollution by improving its management and recovery before it reaches water bodies. In collaboration with municipalities, informal waste collectors, and other stakeholders, Doko Recyclers has developed collection channels and mechanised sorting systems to enhance the efficiency of plastic collection, sorting, and processing.

The Plastic Recovery Facility (PRF) can process 2,400 tonnes of mixed waste annually, recovering 750 tonnes of recyclable and low-value plastic waste. The initiative partners with organisations specialising in redesigning and upcycling plastic materials, fostering a circular economy by extending the lifecycle of plastics. The facility supplies raw materials for recycling and upcycling industries, providing flexibility and scalability in waste management processes.

A significant focus of the project is addressing low-value plastics, such as single-use plastics (SUPs) and composite materials, which lack established recycling value chains. These plastics often end up in landfills or as environmental waste. Mechanised sorting systems introduced by Doko Recyclers have significantly improved resource recovery efficiency, mitigating this issue.

As part of the project, Doko Recyclers will collaborate with Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) to recover dry waste from Cluster 7, comprising Wards 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 27. Waste from Teku Transfer Station is projected to yield approximately 43 tonnes of recoverable dry waste daily. Additionally, KMC has restructured its waste management system, awarding contracts to private companies to improve collection efficiency and resource recovery.

The initiative also includes training and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about plastic waste segregation and identification. By creating a sustainable value chain, the project aims to enhance waste management practices and keep rivers and seas free from plastic pollution.

Doko Recyclers, established in 2017, has delivered waste management solutions across Nepal’s urban and rural regions. The company operates its own Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and has processed over 3,000 tonnes of solid waste and 300 tonnes of e-waste. As one of the first organisations to implement waste segregation at source, Doko Recyclers remains a leader in research, policy analysis, and corporate consulting, backed by a team of 65 employees.

This initiative marks a major milestone in the effort to reduce plastic waste pollution and establish sustainable waste management practices in Nepal.