Leave Your Posters Behind? It Could Cost Up to Rs 2 Lakh Under Nepal’s Proposed Waste Law

KATHMANDU, September 18, 2026

Up to Rs 2 Lakh Fine Proposed for Public-Space Materials

Nepal’s proposed new waste-management law includes fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh for failing to remove posters, pamphlets, leaflets, wall writings or flags placed in public places. The provision is included in a new waste-management bill registered in the House of Representatives on September 17, with the broader aim of improving waste management, protecting public health and the environment, and keeping public spaces clean.

Posters, Pamphlets and Flags Must Be Removed

Under the proposed legislation, posters, pamphlets, leaflets, wall writings, flags and similar materials placed in public places would need to be removed. Failure to remove such materials could result in a fine ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh.

The provision specifically refers to materials placed in public places. It does not establish a general Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh fine for promotional or decorative materials kept on private property.

Part of a Much Wider Waste Law

Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal registered the Bill to Amend and Consolidate Laws Relating to Waste Management in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

The legislation goes beyond posters and flags. It seeks to regulate waste from its generation and collection through transportation, processing and final disposal, while clarifying the responsibilities of Nepal’s federal, provincial and local governments.

Other Violations Could Also Bring Fines

The bill proposes several other penalties. Throwing ordinary waste outside designated public dustbins could result in fines ranging from Rs 5,000 for a first offense to Rs 15,000 for repeated violations.

More serious violations involving hazardous, chemical, industrial, medical, electronic or construction waste could bring significantly higher penalties depending on the offense.

Public Spaces Could Get Better Waste Facilities

The proposal also requires local governments to install covered dustbins where necessary in places such as public roads, parks, exhibition areas, public transport facilities and vehicle stops.

Waste would have to be collected separately using bins for biodegradable, non-biodegradable and hazardous waste. Where the required bins are not already available, local governments would have three months after the law takes effect to install them.

Why the Government Is Proposing the Change

The wider legislation aims to reduce the harmful effects of poorly managed waste on human health and the environment while creating a clearer system of responsibility among the federal, provincial and local levels.

It also introduces broader approaches such as waste reduction, reuse, recycling and treating waste as a potential resource under the circular-economy concept.

Still a Proposal, Not Yet an Enforceable Fine

The Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh penalty is currently a proposed provision in a bill before Parliament. It should therefore not be reported as an existing nationwide fine already being enforced.

If the bill completes the legislative process and comes into force, failing to remove posters, pamphlets, leaflets, wall writings, flags and similar materials placed in public places could result in the proposed penalties.