Myclimate – Nepal

Swiss Partners

Foundation myclimate, Zürich
www.myclimate.org
Susan Gille

Project Type:

Pilot project

Technology:

Resource efficiency

Country:

Nepal

Project Status:

Completed

Project Start:

2020

End of Project:

2022

Contract:

2020.04

Swiss Contribution

The project’s lead partner and coordinator is the Swiss non-profit myclimate (MYC) Foundation. This ETH spin-off is a partner for effective climate protection – both locally and globally.

Description

E-waste management is a major problem in Nepal, and especially in its rapidly growing capital Kathmandu. The lack of proper policies and economically viable solutions to ensure proper recycling or electronic waste disposal poses a threat to worker and general population health as well as the environment.

Doko and myclimate have partnered up to tackle these challenges. This proposed E-Waste Management project aims to establish replicable e-waste management practices in Nepal by starting e-waste recycling and refurbishing facilities, and educating consumers about the hazards of e-waste and conscientious consumerism.

Results

The facilities for safe dismantling and repair of electric devices have been set up. An online shop for the resale of reconditioned devices has been opened and a network of seven collection points is now in operation in and around Kathmandu. The good practice manual “Standard Operation Procedure for E- waste -Doko Recyclers” is available to interested parties. In addition, schoolchildren, community and government representatives, and experts were widely informed through workshops and social media.

Impacts

The centre processes around 300 tonnes of electrical appliances per year, saving 478 tonnes of CO2. By 2025, processing capacity is expected to increase to 500 tonnes per year. 130 new direct and indirect jobs have been created. In total, around 800 people are benefiting from the project.