THE CAUSES OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE IN RURAL THIMPHU BHUTAN

Abstract

                   This study examines the rural lifestyles of the Bhutanese and the factors related to inappropriate dumping of non-degradable solid waste in two remote villages in the northeast highlands of Thimphu Bhutan. The two villages are known as Barshong and Yoesa severely lack waste collection facilities and landfills in their locality. Besides that, both the villages are located at the (watershed) drinking water source for themselves and thousands of residents of the neighboring city. These problems of solid waste management are common to all the rural highlands of Bhutan. Due to small population density, the study was based on a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews, observations and audio recordings. Triangulation techniques were used in data collection and analyzed using evidence analysis followed by content analysis. The findings establish that solid waste is a problem due to the three main factors like Outside Influences, Geographical land Features, and Citizen-Based. From the study, it was revealed that there are a genuine community concern and interest to minimize the disposal waste by practicing reusing and scrap collection for recycling. Finally, the study determined the value and importance of community involvement in waste management for the rural areas of Bhutan and recommend the local community to facilitate a scrap collection/Waste Bank.