𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

…𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒚𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔, 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒔

By Lhendup Wangmo

In an effort to promote environmental sustainability and reduce waste, Gelephu Thromde has launched a project placing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at key locations within the town. The initiative aims to engage both residents and visitors in responsible waste management while offering an innovative solution to recycling.
The strategically located machines are placed at four high-traffic areas: the main entrance of Gelephu Hospital, Gelephu Thromde Park, the Thromde Office, and Gelephu Airport. These locations are easily accessible for residents, tourists, and commuters, making it simple for them to participate in the recycling process.

The machines accept plastic bottles, metal cans, and glass bottles, offering a financial incentive of Nu 3 for each item returned. This reward system motivates people to dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner, helping to reduce litter in public spaces. Participants can return up to 20 bottles per day, ensuring that even small-scale contributions can have a significant collective impact.

Waste collected through the RVMs will be recycled within Bhutan, transforming bottles and cans into useful products such as PET bottles, fabric, and other materials. This process not only reduces waste but also supports local industries in utilizing recycled materials.

Desuups are stationed at each RVM location to guide users and ensure smooth operations. They assist with proper usage and help answer questions from participants.

The initiative has been welcomed by the public, with many appreciating the dual benefit of supporting the environment while earning small rewards. As the project progresses, it is expected to foster a culture of recycling and environmental awareness in Gelephu, with potential plans to expand to other regions in the future.

Gelephu Thromde has taken a significant step in modernizing waste management with the installation of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Introduced as part of a pilot project during the 117th National Day celebrations last year, these machines have the potential to revolutionize waste handling by converting everyday materials into valuable resources.

The installation of RVMs marks a significant milestone for Bhutan in combating plastic pollution. The machines allow individuals to dispose of used plastic bottles, which are then processed for recycling, contributing to both a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future. The initiative has garnered attention for its potential to change the way waste is managed in Bhutan.

Lok Bahadur Chhetri, Thromde Tshogpa, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Since the introduction of the reverse vending machines for the collection of plastic bottles, it’s the first time such a system has been implemented in Bhutan,” he said. “This will greatly help decrease the number of plastic bottles in specific areas, and as more people become aware of how the system works, it will encourage better waste management practices.”

Chhetri emphasized that the initiative, though still in its early stages, is already raising public awareness. “As people begin using these machines, they realize that recycling is not only easy but also necessary for the well-being of our environment. In the future, this initiative will help reduce not just plastic bottles, but other plastic items across the region,” he added.

The reverse vending machines provide an added incentive for residents to return used plastic bottles by offering rewards, such as discounts at local businesses. This system is designed to promote sustainable habits and reduce reliance on single-use plastic items.

“The long-term impact of such initiatives will be far-reaching,” Chhetri continued. “By making recycling convenient for everyone, we are laying the foundation for a significant reduction in plastic waste in the long run. With continued promotion and public education, I have no doubt that Bhutan will achieve a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

The RVM project is part of a broader environmental strategy by Gelephu Thromde, which includes waste segregation campaigns and community education programs on the dangers of plastic pollution. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of plastic waste, this initiative represents a positive shift in how the country is addressing waste management challenges.

As more residents embrace the system, the hope is that it will inspire other regions to adopt similar measures. “This is a good example of how technology and community engagement can work together to solve environmental problems,” said Chhetri. “With continued efforts, we can significantly reduce plastic waste and create a more sustainable environment for future generations.”

Binu Rai, a Desuup stationed at one of the RVM locations, shared insights on the machine’s functionality. “We need data to operate the machine. If the data is unavailable, we can enter our mobile number and use the OTP to generate a QR code. Currently, we manually paste the QR code, but in the future, it will be generated automatically during the manufacturing process of the bottles.”

The goal is to streamline the recycling process, making it as seamless as possible. The plan to automate the QR code generation at the factory level will help improve the user experience and ensure smoother operations.
A hospital worker at Gelephu Hospital remarked, “Initially, the reward of Nu 3 for each bottle may seem small, but as more people use the system and waste is properly collected, it will lead to a cleaner Gelephu and improved waste management habits in the community.”

Many residents see the initiative as a great opportunity to earn some extra money while also contributing to environmental sustainability. By using the vending machines, they can receive a digital credit of Nu 3 per bottle, which is deposited into their Bank of Bhutan (BOB) accounts, the project’s banking partner.

Local resident Sangay Dolma, 33, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “Before the vending machines were installed, there wasn’t much incentive for people to properly dispose of recyclables. Now, the machines make it easy for everyone to contribute to recycling, and it’s a simple and effective way to make a positive difference. I have already started using them regularly.”

Sangay Dolma noted that the introduction of the vending machines has already led to noticeable changes in the town’s waste disposal habits. “People are more aware of their waste now. The machines make it clear that recycling is not only possible, but also easy and rewarding.”

Residents are encouraged to bring used plastic bottles and aluminum cans to the RVMs in exchange for rewards. This system not only incentivizes responsible waste management but also supports local businesses.

The installation of RVMs is just one part of Gelephu Thromde’s ongoing efforts to enhance environmental awareness and reduce the town’s ecological footprint. Authorities are optimistic that this initiative will spark a larger movement toward recycling and sustainability across the region.

As the project continues to gain momentum, many residents, including Sangay Dolma, are hopeful for lasting positive change in the community. “It’s good to know that we’re doing something that benefits not just us but also the environment. It’s a step in the right direction,” said Dolma.

Gelephu’s introduction of reverse vending machines represents a pioneering effort in sustainable waste management, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in Bhutan. By encouraging residents to recycle through rewards, Gelephu Thromde is not only reducing waste but also nurturing a culture of sustainability. As the program continues to grow, Gelephu is poised to lead the way in integrating smart solutions for a cleaner, greener future.