The COCA-COLA® Foundation to fund Clean Bhutan’s new recycling project in Thimphu

The COCA-COLA® Foundation, in its effort towards creating a circular economy in Bhutan awarded a grant to Clean Bhutan for a plastic recycling project ‘Druk Larzo Thimphu’. The project aims to create awareness on waste segregation,proper disposal, enhance knowledge and capacities of the informal waste collectors and also create entrepreneurship/job opportunities for sustainable livelihood for workers/communities through plastic waste recycling.

Dasho Ugyen Dorji, Thromde (Mayor) Thimphu Thromde said, “Creating a circular economy calls for accelerated efforts though a multi-stakeholder partnership involving different private organizations, NGOs, and community organizations. I believe the initiative funded by The COCA-COLA® Foundation and Clean Bhutan will educate communities about plastic waste management. Efficient waste management is critical and will contribute to socio-economic development of country, especially the youth, by generating employment opportunities.”

Project Druk Larzo Thimphu’ aims to positively impact more than 2,500 households through awareness initiatives and recycle 25,000 Kgs of plastic waste in a span of 12 months. This project will aid in generating employment opportunities for women and the youth particularly at waste collection centers.

Saadia Madsbjerg, President, TheCOCA-COLA® Foundation said that “Working with partners across business, government and civil society, we are helping create closed-loop systems by investing in recycling infrastructure and education programs to make recycling simpler and more accessible. This project will help strengthen the recycling sector in Bhutan and help in recycling packaging waste.”

“Bhutan is beginning to experience rapid socio-economic development and improper disposal of waste is becoming a major concern. Through this project we aim to sensitize all Bhutanese citizens about behavioral changes and habits to manage this wastage. There is value in waste, and with the support of The COCA-COLA® Foundation, we want to empower our youth to become entrepreneurs and establish recycling as an income generating opportunity.” - Nedup Tshering Executive Director, Clean Bhutan

About The COCA-COLA® Foundation [TCCF]

The COCA-COLA® Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The COCA-COLA® Company. Since its inception in 1984, The Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world, including protecting the environment; empowering women; and the overall well-being of communities through education, youth development, arts and culture and economic development.

Read more about The COCA-COLA® Foundation and our initiatives at - https://www.coca-colacompany.com/shared-future/coca-cola-foundation

About Clean Bhutan

Established in 2014, Clean Bhutan is a Civil Society Organization (CSO)  working in Bhutan to change the mindset of every Bhutanese to be responsible citizens and practice sustainable consumption by using available resources most efficiently

Media Contact:

Lakshan Madureasinghe

Regional Lead for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives

+94 777 344 085 | lamadurasinghe@coca-cola.com