The National Policy for Solid Waste Management (1997) was adopted. This includes objectives, strategies and institutional arrangement related to the solid waste management. The national policy supports all attempts to improve and modernize solid waste management at the local level.

The main objectives are to:
· Make solid waste management easier and more effective,
· Minimize the adverse effects of waste on environment and health,
· Mobilize waste as a resource,
· Privatize solid waste management,
· Promote awareness campaigns to massive public participation,
· Involve non-government, social organizations on cleaning work,
· Develop appropriate approach based on local social & economical conditions,
· End disposal management based on quality & quantity of waste,
· Build economically self-sustained waste management system,
· Encourage self sustained cleansing work, and
· Management of solid waste in a decreased manner from its source of generation.

The National Policy 1997 for Solid Waste Management has many strategies related to public participation, technology, resource mobilization and privatization. The policy proposes the formation of National Council for the Solid Waste Management as a national level institution with the task to research and develop solid waste technology and policy, and to coordinate and assist local authorities.