Title: An intervention in e-waste management in Kathmandu, Nepal

Authors: Lalbabu Lalkarn; Narissara Nuthammachot; Kuaanan Techato; Saroj Gyawali; Binod Baniya

Addresses: Department of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand ' Department of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand ' Department of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand ' Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Phuket Campus, Thailand ' Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract: E-waste contains different toxic substances like lead, mercury and brominates flame retardants. During the process of recycling activities, the prolonged exposure of these toxic substances would obviously lead to damage to all major systems of human body. In concern with this disastrous state, the present research has been worked with an objective to manage the e-waste through the intervention of the public participation in Kathmandu, Nepal. Data was fetched from 450 households regarding the waste assessment through structured questionnaire with multiple choice questions and open-end questions. In addition, data for the qualitative research was collected through key informant interviews (KII) from 12 households. Results of the research states that public were aware regarding the need for e-waste management measures. Thus, voluntary participation of the public for recycling and reusing the e-wastes and enactment of appropriate rules and regulation of the government would probably aid in reducing the generation of wastes in Kathmandu valley.

Keywords: e-waste; electronic waste; toxic substances; mixed methodology; waste assessment; recycling process; Nepal; key informant interviews; KII.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2026.153413

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2026 Vol.39 No.4, pp.374 - 397

Received: 15 May 2024
Accepted: 09 Nov 2024
Published online: 07 May 2026 *

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