In a bid to bolster sustainable waste management and support Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s vision of a Zero Waste Bhutan by 2030, the Phuentshogling Thromde has unveiled its very first reverse vending machine (RVM). Launched recently to coincide with Her Majesty’s birthday celebrations, the new installation marks a significant milestone for the southern commercial hub.
Situated adjacent to the office of the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, the RVM accepts PET bottles, aluminium cans and glass bottles—items that traditionally carry little to no market value. Users simply deposit these materials and receive financial incentives in return. “It turns trash into treasure,” says Thrompon Uttar Kumar Rai, “transforming discarded bottles and cans into real financial gain for the community.”
Thrompon Rai acknowledges that keeping Phuentshogling clean has been an uphill battle, despite numerous cleaning campaigns, public-awareness programmes and the weekly observation of “Zero Waste Hour.” He remains hopeful that the convenience and reward structure of the RVM will encourage residents and visitors alike to take a more active role in proper waste disposal. “Now with the machine in place, people will be keen to make use of it. It empowers them to manage their own waste while earning something in the process,” Rai explained.
Encouraged by the early success of similar installations in Gelephu earlier this year, the Thromde has committed to rolling out a total of five machines at key locations: the vegetable market, the regional hospital, the multi-level car park, the central park and the site near the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority. While the Thromde has provided the strategic locations, responsibility for installation, operation and maintenance rests with a partnering private firm.
Officials anticipate that diverting recyclable materials from the landfill will not only reduce environmental impact but also stimulate local economic activity. As Bhutan strives toward its 2030 zero-waste goal, innovations like reverse vending machines demonstrate how simple, incentive-based approaches can inspire lasting change—creating cleaner urban spaces and fostering a smarter, circular economy.
