About Us
PSD Nepal (Partnership for Sustainable Development Nepal) is a registered non-profit organization established in 2002, working across education, environmental conservation, public health, climate action, and sustainable community development. Through partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations, PSD Nepal develops practical solutions to some of Nepal's most pressing environmental challenges.
Our Himalayan Plastic Recycling & Upcycling Volunteer Program is one of Nepal's pioneering community-based environmental initiatives. The program addresses the growing challenge of plastic pollution in the Himalayan region by promoting waste collection, segregation, recycling, upcycling, environmental education, and community participation.
Volunteers work alongside local communities, recycling partners, schools, and environmental organizations to help strengthen sustainable waste management systems rather than simply conducting one-time clean-up campaigns. Activities may include plastic collection drives, supporting recycling centers, upcycling plastic into useful products, delivering environmental awareness sessions, documenting project activities, and promoting responsible tourism.
A key component of this initiative is PSD Nepal's Himalayan Plastic Removal Project in the Langtang region, where plastic waste is collected, sorted, and transported for recycling while creating local income opportunities and increasing environmental awareness within mountain communities.
Whether you are passionate about sustainability, environmental conservation, climate action, or simply want to make a meaningful difference, this program offers practical, hands-on experience while helping protect one of the world's most fragile mountain ecosystems.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
PSD Nepal has more than two decades of experience implementing environmental and community development projects across Nepal. Our environmental programs are community-led, sustainable, and designed to create lasting impact rather than short-term solutions.
Volunteers become part of real recycling and conservation initiatives, working alongside local communities, schools, and environmental partners. You will gain practical experience in plastic waste management, recycling, upcycling, environmental education, and circular economy practices while experiencing Nepal's rich culture and spectacular mountain landscapes.
With experienced staff, a comprehensive orientation, safe accommodation, and ongoing support throughout your placement, PSD Nepal ensures every volunteer enjoys a meaningful, ethical, and rewarding experience while contributing to long-term environmental conservation.
Requirements
No previous experience in recycling or environmental conservation is required. Volunteers from all backgrounds are welcome.
Ideal volunteers should:
- Have an interest in environmental conservation and sustainability.
- Be willing to work outdoors in different weather conditions.
- Respect local cultures and communities.
- Be physically fit for light to moderate field activities, including walking on uneven terrain.
- Be flexible, motivated, and able to work as part of a team.
- Follow the guidance of PSD Nepal staff and local coordinators.
Experience in environmental science, engineering, design, education, photography, communications, or project management is beneficial but not essential. Training is provided before field activities begin.
Volunteer experience
A typical day begins with breakfast before traveling to the project site, recycling center, school, or local community. Depending on the day's activities, volunteers may participate in plastic waste collection, waste segregation, recycling and upcycling, environmental education sessions, school awareness programs, community clean-up campaigns, or documenting project activities.
Lunch is usually shared with fellow volunteers or members of the host community. Afternoon activities may include preparing educational materials, supporting recycling operations, meeting local stakeholders, or helping organize environmental awareness campaigns. Evenings are free to relax, explore the local area, spend time with your host family, or reflect on the day's experiences. Each day offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in community-based environmental conservation.
The program fee covers accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation, local transportation during project activities (where applicable), volunteer coordination, staff supervision, project administration, environmental education materials, and contributions toward ongoing community recycling initiatives.
Program fees vary depending on the length of your stay. Please contact PSD Nepal for the latest fee schedule and available placement dates.
Accommodation varies depending on your placement location. Volunteers stay with carefully selected host families, in volunteer houses, guesthouses, or simple community lodges.
Rooms are clean, safe, and comfortable, and are typically shared with another volunteer unless private accommodation has been arranged. Basic facilities include a bed, mattress, blankets, electricity, and shared bathroom facilities. Internet access is available in most urban areas, while connectivity may be limited in remote Himalayan communities.
Staying with local families or within the community provides an authentic cultural experience and offers volunteers a deeper understanding of everyday life in Nepal.
Three nutritious meals are provided each day throughout your placement. Meals typically include traditional Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, and curry), chapati, noodles, seasonal vegetables, eggs, fruit, tea, and other locally prepared foods. Safe drinking water is also provided.
Vegetarian meals are always available, and vegan or other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Sharing meals with host families, community members, or fellow volunteers provides an excellent opportunity to experience Nepali culture and hospitality.
Outside project hours, volunteers have plenty of opportunities to explore Nepal's rich natural and cultural heritage. Depending on your placement location, PSD Nepal staff are happy to help you plan safe and responsible weekend trips and activities.
Activities may include:
- Hiking and nature walks
- Visiting Langtang National Park
- Exploring Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Visiting Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples
- Learning about Nepali language and culture
- Traditional cooking experiences
- Participating in local festivals and community events
- Photography and wildlife observation
- Weekend trips to Pokhara, Chitwan, and other destinations
- Yoga and meditation
- Shopping in local markets
- Meeting fellow volunteers and community members
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