Pet Waste Collection & Recycling Project​

header-wave

Pet Waste Collection & Recycling Project

by Ganesha Overseas Pvt. Ltd. at Nepal

The PET Waste Collection & Recycling Project by Ganesha Overseas Pvt. Ltd. in Nepal is a critical initiative aimed at addressing Nepal’s plastic waste management challenges. With the country generating approximately 150,000 MT of plastic waste annually, 40% of which is PET waste, this project focuses on reducing environmental pollution, promoting sustainable recycling practices, and improving working conditions for waste pickers. The project is supported by GEM Enviro Management and adheres to Verra’s standards for plastic waste reduction, aiming to issue plastic credits before the end of the year.

Project

PET Plastic Waste Collection & Recycling

Duration

Ongoing, with the goal of issuing plastic credits by year-end.

Categories

Waste Collection & Recycling, Environmental Sustainability, Social Development (support for waste pickers and stakeholders)

Collection Capacity

15,000 MT/year of PET plastic waste.

Recycling Capacity

14,000 MT/year (yielding: 12,600 MT/year of PET/Polyester Chips/Flakes & 1,400 MT/year of scrap material.)

Project Overview

Like many other countries, Nepal faces a serious challenge in managing plastic waste. Although the Government introduced the Solid Waste Management National Policy, 2022, there are still no dedicated plastic waste management rules or an ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ (EPR) mechanism. As a result, most plastic waste remains unsegregated and ends up mixed with general solid waste in unscientific landfills, causing leaching, methane generation, and fire hazards. Open burning of waste is also common.

This collection and recycling project plays a vital environmental role by conserving landfill space, preventing plastic pollution of water bodies, and protecting ecological balance.

Reports indicate that Nepal generates around 1,50,000 MT of plastic waste annually, 40% of which (about 60,000 MT) is PET waste. The Ganesha Project collects about 15,000 MT of PET waste each year and recycles 14,000 MT annually – producing 12,600 MT of PET/Polyester chips or flakes and 1,400 MT of scrap.

Need for Plastic Credit

This collection and recycling project would lead to improvement of PET waste collection network in Nepal because of its size (~12000 MT/Yr). The project would establish the processes for raw material sourcing and quality control. This would indirectly lead to better prices for the waste pickers. The project would also conduct various training and development programs for its stakeholders. This would help create better working conditions for the front-line workers.

Hence, to carry out all the above initiatives properly and for long term, the availability of the plastic credit would be of great help. The plastic credit would also help towards initiatives related to improvement in the plant’s operation and maintenance (O & M) for better operational efficiency, product quality & towards future upgradation of the plant.

Our Role

GEM Enviro Management serves as the consultant to Ganesha for the development and implementation of the plastic credit project in Nepal. Verra, a globally recognized organization that designs and manages standards for climate action and plastic waste reduction, has established the framework for claiming waste collection and recycling credits.

Plastic credits represent one metric ton of plastic waste that has been responsibly collected and/or recycled, ensuring traceability and accountability throughout the process. The Ganesha Project is currently listed on the Verra Registry and is in the final stages of completing its registration. Once approved, it aims to issue verified plastic credits before the end of this year, contributing significantly to Nepal’s efforts toward a circular economy and sustainable waste management.

Highlights of the Ganesha Project

Project Overview:

  • Ganesha Project focuses on collecting and recycling PET plastic waste.
  • Current collection capacity: 15,000 MT/year.
  • Recycling capacity: 14,000 MT/year, producing:
  • 12,600 MT/year of PET/Polyester Chips/Flakes.1,400 MT/year of scraps. 

Environmental Impact:

  • Aims to reduce landfill usage and prevent plastic from entering water bodies.
  • Addresses ecological imbalances caused by plastic littering.
  • Reduces open burning of waste, mitigating air pollution and methane generation.

Economic Benefits:

  • Improved PET waste collection network, enhancing market prices for waste pickers.
  • Establishes processes for raw material sourcing and quality control.
  • Supports training and development programs for stakeholders, enhancing working conditions.

Need for Plastic Credits:

  • Plastic credits will facilitate better operational efficiency and plant maintenance.
  • Credits support future plant upgrades and sustainability initiatives.
  • Each plastic credit represents one metric ton of plastic waste collected and/or recycled.

Consulting and Standards:

  • GEM Enviro Management serves as the consultant for the project.
  • Project adheres to standards set by Verra for claiming waste collection and recycling credits.
  • Currently listed on the Verra Registry, with aims to complete registration and issue plastic credits by year-end.