CLEAN WITH US

Clean Thimphu City Initiative

Mission

Our mission is to transform Thimphu into a model of urban cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and civic responsibility through innovative waste management solutions, community stewardship, and technological integration. We strive to create a healthier, more vibrant capital city that reflects Bhutan’s commitment to environmental preservation while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Through collaborative efforts, smart technologies, and sustainable practices, we envision Thimphu as a clean, green city that sets the benchmark for urban environmental management in Bhutan and beyond.

Challenges

Clogged drains, illegal dumping, and wind-blown plastic threaten Bhutan’s rivers, farmland, and environmental reputation. Without timely intervention, solid waste in urban Bhutan will continue to rise unchecked, damaging ecosystems and public health. Tourism-heavy areas like Thimphu are especially vulnerable.

Solution & Activities

What Residents Will Notice

Smart sensor-based bins

that compress waste and alert collection teams the moment they’re 80% full—no more overflowing corners.

24/7 CCTV surveillance

in litter-prone zones, linked to an AI dashboard that auto-flags illegal dumping and triggers immediate fines.

A civic mobile app

where anyone can report a mess, track clean-up progress, and earn reward points for responsible action.

Faster, traceable penalties for littering

digitally issued so careless behaviour hits both the wallet and the conscience.

Neighbourhood-scale dumpsters and compost sheds

to catch recyclables and food scraps before they reach Memelakha or Satsam landfills.

Weekly sweeping, drain clearing, and beautification drives

led by volunteers, Desuups, and schools—transforming clean streets into community pride.

Waste Realities in Thimphu

Thimphu’s bins are filling faster than its mountains can hide them. The capital already produces about 50–55 metric tonnes of solid waste every day—and studies warn the figure could climb to 124 tonnes by 2027 if habits and infrastructure stay the same. 

To tackle these issues, the Prime Minister’s Office launched the Clean Thimphu City, under the World Bank–funded PLEASE Project. These initiatives blend grassroots volunteerism with smart bins, AI-enabled enforcement, and local leadership to create a long-term system for managing waste.

Learn More. Act Smarter.

Be Part of the Change

Join a clean-up, sort your waste, or simply report illegal dumping when you see it. Your small actions add up to a big impact and help preserve the beauty of our capital city.

One Thimphu; Bhutan’s Heart

 Let’s keep it clean, together.

Success Stories & Achievements

CTCI is Bhutan’s way of contributing to the World Bank’s PLEASE project: “Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia.” The initiatives link local waste action to a regional mission, sealing upstream plastic leaks before they reach the ocean.

They don’t create parallel systems but strengthen and modernize Thromde services—upskilling current staff, providing smart infrastructure, and aligning with Bhutan’s Zero Waste 2030 Roadmap.

If Thimphu City succeeds in proving that data dashboards, smart bins, and citizen rewards can keep streets clean and plastic-free, other dzongkhags will quickly follow.

Waste Drop-off Centers

North Thimphu

Core Thimphu

South Thimphu