Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) generates 198 metric tons of waste per day considering per capita municipal waste generation 0.354 kg/person/day, including the waste generated by the fluctuating population. Out of this, 70 percent is domestic, and 30 percent are commercial and institutional. Out of the total waste, 128 metric tons/day is being disposed of in the dumping site in Laamey Aahal (Ward 32) (Baseline Survey Report, GCRU 2024). However, the dumping site fails to meet the required standards for a landfill, as it lacks a protective bottom liner to prevent groundwater contamination, a gas collection system to control air pollution, and leachate treatment facilities to safeguard nearby surface water (such as rivers). As the capital city of Gandaki Province and a prominent tourist destination, Pokhara ranks among Nepal’s fastest-growing cities. Rapid population growth driven by migration, the influx of tourists, and expanding commercial activities has placed significant strain on the city’s existing waste management infrastructure.

Currently, the Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) lacks a permanent solution for sustainable solid waste management. Recycling and upcycling present viable options to address the growing volume of waste. In this context, the Green Job Creation Through Recycling and Upcycling (GCRU) Project in Pokhara—supported by UNDP and KOICA in collaboration with PMC, has been designed to foster a green economy rooted in the principles of the circular economy. This approach seeks to replace the prevailing ‘throw-away’ linear model, while simultaneously generating green jobs and advancing sustainable solid waste management. The project’s objectives will be realized through three interlinked areas of intervention: i) Policy and coordination, ii) Promoting of RU enterprises, and iii) Empowering communities for increased awareness and community-level RU initiatives.

The GCRU project plans to conduct intensive entrepreneurship/skills development trainings and provide equipment support to members of RU groups representing 136 selected Tole Lane Organizations (TLOs). These trainings and support initiatives aim to strengthen the knowledge and skills of RU group members, while fostering connections with potential and existing RU enterprises engaged in recycling and upcycling waste. Trained RU groups will collaborate closely with aspiring and existing RU enterprises to supply clean raw materials within the supply chain, assist in the production of final products through semi- or pre-processing of waste, or independently produce final products.