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KMC urges people not to burn plastic waste in the open

Residents are being asked to use municipal collection services instead of burning rubbish, as plastic smoke poses particular risks to health and neighbourhood air quality.

Nepal Live Today · Updated 18 August 2026 · 2 min read
Sorted plastic bottles and other recyclable waste at a processing facility
Safe collection and sorting keep plastic waste out of open fires and reduce harmful smoke.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has urged residents not to burn waste in open spaces, warning that smoke from plastic and mixed rubbish can be harmful to human health.

The guidance asks households and businesses to hand waste to municipal collection vehicles rather than dispose of it through uncontrolled burning. Keeping rubbish separated and ready for collection can also reduce litter and make safer handling easier.

Why plastic smoke mattersBurning plastic in an open fire can release irritating smoke and harmful pollutants. Children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions may be especially vulnerable.

The city’s environment officials have also reminded industries to comply with applicable pollution-control standards. The public advice focuses on avoiding indiscriminate burning and using established waste services.

Residents can reduce risk by storing waste securely until collection, keeping recyclable material separate where possible, and avoiding any attempt to burn plastic, packaging or mixed household rubbish.

Practical response

A safer routine for household waste

Open burning is avoidable when waste is contained, sorted and passed to the appropriate collection service. These simple steps can help protect shared air.

01Separate plastic and dry recyclables from wet waste.
02Store all rubbish in closed, secure containers.
03Hand it to the designated collection vehicle.

Questions about open waste burning

Why should plastic never be burned in the open?

Open fires do not control temperature or emissions. Plastic smoke can contain harmful pollutants and fine particles that affect nearby people and the wider neighbourhood.

Who is most vulnerable to the smoke?

Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with asthma, heart disease or another respiratory condition may face greater risk.

What should residents do with household waste?

Keep it securely contained and provide it to the municipal collection service. Separate recyclable and organic materials where collection arrangements allow.

Is burning leaves with plastic also unsafe?

Yes. Mixed piles can conceal plastic packaging and other harmful materials. Avoid burning mixed household waste altogether.

What should businesses and industries do?

They should use approved waste-management practices and comply with applicable pollution-control requirements rather than burning waste outdoors.