Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is one of the rapid urbanizing cities. With urbanization come detrimental problems. One of the major issues in the present context is the management of solid waste. Nepal generally does not have the necessary skills or resources to manage the waste in the proper manner. However, the simple methods of composting and recycling could help the city environment look much sanitized.

On average, about 70 percent of the household waste generated in Kathmandu metropolitan city consists of organic matter, while about 20 percent consist of recyclable inorganic materials such as paper, plastic and metal, and about 10 percent is inert materials. Composting is a simple and effective way of recycling waste that is already being practiced by many people as about two thirds of the waste is organic. There are several different ways to compost waste such as aerobic composting in piles or windrows, composting in bins or vessels, and vermicomposting. Similarly, in terms of scale, composting can be done at the household level, institutional level, community level or municipal level.

On the other hand, the inorganic wastes could be recycled and reused as a handicraft tool or other useful materials. Recycling of solid waste as a resource will reduce the amount of waste that needs to be disposed as well as the cost of waste management. Furthermore, there is a market for most recyclable materials because of the demand created by the formal and informal private sector.

Therefore, if solid waste is properly used, it can be a valuable resource, but if it is not effectively managed, it can result in serious adverse impacts on environment and public health. To conclude, the above mentioned simple measures of composting and recycling if practiced could give better result in urban sanitation.