Thimphu has embarked on a significant endeavor to tackle its organic waste issue by initiating operations at a new composting facility located at the Memelakha landfill. This innovative facility employs a Japanese aerobic method to transform wet waste into organic fertiliser, marking a pivotal shift towards waste recovery from traditional landfill reliance. The move is particularly crucial as organic waste, comprising items like vegetable peels, food scraps, and market waste, constitutes more than half of the daily rubbish discarded at the Memelakha site, amounting to over 30 tonnes per day.
Previously, the organic waste accumulated at the landfill generated harmful leachate and methane gas, posing environmental hazards such as soil and water contamination as well as contributing to climate change. However, with the introduction of the new composting plant, a structured process involving a mechanical mixer and a precise mixture of ingredients like seed compost, brown sugar, rice husk, and water initiates the fermentation process. The gradual breakdown of organic matter within the plant generates rich compost without emitting foul odours or toxic substances, thereby mitigating the production of leachate and methane emissions.
Notably, the compost produced at the facility is slated for affordable sale, aiming to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilisers and align with Bhutan’s objective of achieving 100% organic status by 2035. To ensure the success of this sustainable initiative, the Thromde Office emphasizes the importance of waste segregation at the source, urging residents to be mindful of their waste disposal practices. The project received crucial financial support, amounting to approximately USD 47,000 or over Nu 4 million, from the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, underscoring collaborative efforts towards a cleaner and more environmentally conscious Thimphu.
Key Takeaways:
– Thimphu has inaugurated a composting facility at Memelakha landfill, utilizing a Japanese aerobic method to convert wet waste into organic fertiliser, signaling a transition from landfill reliance to waste recovery.
– The composting plant aims to address the issues associated with the accumulation of organic waste at the site, including the production of harmful leachate and methane gas, through a controlled fermentation process.
– The initiative supports Bhutan’s goal of becoming a 100% organic nation by 2035, with the produced compost set to be sold affordably to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.
– Effective waste segregation at the source is highlighted as crucial for the project’s success, emphasizing the need for individual responsibility in waste disposal practices.
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