Global Recycling Day 2026 was marked with a series of events near UN Park in Lalitpur on March 18, aimed at promoting sustainable waste management and a circular economy.

Organised by Creasion Nepal under the European Union-funded GreenShift Project, the programme was held under the theme “Don’t Think Waste — Think Opportunity”, highlighting waste as a resource for sustainable development.

Attending the event as chief guest, Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, deputy mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, said that meaningful change begins with individual action. She urged greater recognition of sanitation workers and called for a shift in perception to view waste as an opportunity rather than a problem.

José Luis Vinuesa Santamaría, head of Cooperation of the European Union to Nepal, underscored the importance of initiatives promoting reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling to build a sustainable future and create employment opportunities.

The event featured a cycle rally involving around 100 waste collectors, aimed at raising awareness on waste segregation and responsible consumption. The rally passed through key areas of the Valley before concluding at UN Park.

Around 300 to 500 participants, including entrepreneurs, waste workers and youth innovators, attended the programme. Certificates were awarded to contributors, and two panel discussions explored challenges and opportunities in recycling.

Organisers said the event would strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and support cleaner cities and a greener economy in Nepal.