ISLAMABAD: The unmanaged solid waste generation in Pakistan’s rapidly populated federal capital has drawn attention to the urgent need for scientific waste management systems and recycling initiatives.
With a population of around 2.6 million, the capital produces approximately 1,535 tonnes of solid waste per day. However, the civic agency can only manage 60-70% of this waste, leaving the rest to accumulate in open dumps, streets, and empty spaces, where it is often burnt, leading to serious air pollution, smog, and poor air quality.
A study titled “Open Waste Burning and Its Health Hazards” highlighted the detrimental impact of open trash burning on human health and the environment. The pollutants emitted during open waste burning pose complex health risks, including pulmonary, cardiovascular, and carcinogenic ailments, as well as chronic infections and allergies, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), emphasized the global trend of transforming waste management into opportunities, such as waste-to-energy projects, which could help address Pakistan’s energy crisis.
Despite challenges, innovative solutions like waste-to-energy initiatives offer promising avenues for resource management and energy security.
Dr. Mansoor Ali from the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, highlighted the affordability of modern technology as a key challenge in adopting waste-to-energy solutions in the federal capital.
Efforts are underway to raise awareness and promote effective waste management practices. Dr. Abida Shareef from FJWU conducted a survey revealing misconceptions among households regarding waste hazards and segregation. Similarly, initiatives like the in-campus compost facility run by Aqsa Arshad at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) demonstrate practical approaches to waste management.
Sweden and Singapore serve as notable examples of successful waste management practices, with Sweden leading in waste-to-energy projects and Singapore’s Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) setting benchmarks in energy recovery and zero waste goals.
Addressing waste management challenges requires concerted efforts, including public awareness campaigns, innovative technologies, and policy interventions to turn solid waste into a valuable resource and protect communities from health and environmental risks.
