Faced with mounting waste management challenges and a sharp rise in plastic pollution, Paro district has launched a pilot programme aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastic carry bags in local markets.
The initiative, unveiled on World Environment Day, comes as Bhutan grapples with increasing waste generation nationwide. Findings from the recently released Waste Inventory Survey 2025 reveal that waste production across the country has surged by 40 percent over the past six years, with plastic remaining a major contributor to the problem.
In Paro, the situation is particularly concerning. A 2024 survey conducted jointly by the district administration and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) found that plastic constitutes 22.5 percent of all waste generated in the district, making it the largest single category of waste.
Environmental officials warn that the prevalence of plastic is placing additional strain on landfill facilities because the material does not decompose naturally.
“Plastic waste occupies landfill space for a very long time because it does not break down,” said Tshewang Norbu, Assistant Environment Officer of Paro. “As a result, disposal sites fill up much faster.”
The district’s new programme will initially focus on vegetable markets, where authorities plan to gradually introduce measures to reduce dependence on plastic bags. Officials are currently developing standard operating procedures to guide implementation, alongside public awareness campaigns and monitoring efforts.
Recognising the need for practical alternatives, the district administration has partnered with private and community-based organisations to promote reusable bags. YBM, a local company, will supply jute bags, while SheCycle, a women-led sustainability initiative, is encouraging the use of bags produced from recycled materials.
Authorities hope that making reusable options readily available at market stalls will encourage shoppers to shift away from disposable plastic bags.
Paro Dzongda Norbu Wangchuk said reducing plastic use requires providing consumers with accessible substitutes.
“If we ask people to stop using single-use plastic bags, we must also offer viable alternatives,” he said. “People will naturally want to know what they should use instead. We are encouraged to see private enterprises stepping forward with solutions.”
Despite the availability of alternatives, officials acknowledge that changing consumer behaviour will be the most difficult aspect of the campaign. Plastic carry bags have become a routine part of shopping for many households, making the transition to reusable options a long-term challenge.
According to Tshewang Norbu, overcoming entrenched habits will be key to achieving meaningful reductions in plastic consumption.
“People have become accustomed to using single-use plastic bags in their daily lives,” he said. “Changing that mindset will be our biggest task. If we succeed, we can significantly reduce plastic waste and improve monitoring efforts.”
The launch event also marked the soft release of several environmental initiatives, including the Waste Inventory Survey 2025, the Environmental Clearance Service System, and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework under Bhutan’s National Adaptation Plan.
Officials view these efforts as part of a broader strategy to foster sustainable consumption practices and move the country closer to a cleaner, more environmentally responsible future.
