Turning Plastic into Profit: Empowering Communities in Nepal

Plastic​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ waste has been labeled as one of the major environmental problems; however, it is a source of income for many communities in Nepal. The emergence of waste management systems makes the discarded plastic a potential valuable resource through simple and well-planned projects. We at Kleanit Upcyclers, facilitate local groups to not only make their environment cleaner but also to generate the income required for the community's socioeconomic improvement.

1. Converting Waste Collection Into Earnings

On average, the plastic waste of the aforementioned residential areas, commercial areas, educational institutions, markets, and tourist spots is generally incinerated or dumped in landfills. By the organizing of women’s groups, youth, and local organizations, the mentioned waste can be gathered and sold to recycling companies such as Kleanit.

By collecting sorted materials such as HDPE and PP, in addition to low-value plastics such as multilayer packaging, collectors can get a stable income. Kleanit changes the low-value plastics into sturdy, high-quality furniture. The positive impact of recycled plastics’ demand is that at a very far distance, even a remote village can be the beneficiary.

2. Improving Value Through Proper Sorting

Proper sorting of plastics leads to higher resale values. When waste is separated in terms of types and is done hygienically, Kleanit Upcyclers offers a higher price for clean and sorted plastic since this method reduces the amount of processing involved and results in products of higher quality made from recycled materials. Community income can be increased through practice and by paying attention, as common plastic types: PET, HDPE, LDPE, and MLPs can be easily grasped.

3. Promoting Small-Scale Enterprise

Waste collection may lead to mini-business opportunities. Individuals can initiate mini-collection points by collecting plastic waste from neighbors, local shops, and hotels. People can make more money by selling materials in bulk with a minimal initial investment which is required. This method works particularly well in rural areas and trekking zones which are tourism-dependent.

4. Beyond Earnings: The Broader Influence

Local recycling programs that are community-driven not only lead to higher incomes but also contribute to a clean environment, reduce the usage of landfills, and prevent plastic waste from polluting rivers and forests. Moreover, it changes the perception of waste from a problem to a valuable resource. At Kleanit Upcyclers, we work with communities to make recycling both financially and ecologically beneficial. When individuals profit from waste, sustainability becomes a shared goal that is open to everyone’s participation and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌benefit.