ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started studies for the disposal and recycling of Solid Waste in Islamabad, intending to reduce environmental pollution posing a threat to the health of the common people.
A CDA official told APP, “The details of studies included waste generation studies, waste characterization studies, haulage, situational analysis report, municipal solid waste (MSW) collection, rapid assessment report of landfill sites Islamabad, communication and behavior change strategy, and treatment and disposal.”
Between January and March 2023, the Urban Unit Lahore conducted studies at a total cost of Rs. 21.926175 million. Unfortunately, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has faced challenges in establishing an international solid waste disposal system in the capital due to issues related to land availability and legal constraints.
The authority is actively developing a system that focuses on implementing source segregation, minimizing solid waste, promoting reuse, and enhancing recycling methods while adhering to disposal standards. These initiatives are expected to take approximately one year to be fully implemented.
It’s worth noting that CDA initiated a pilot project for solid waste segregation last year to reduce environmental pollution and promote commercial recycling of items. This step is crucial as it facilitates reuse, treatment, recycling, and the scientifically sound disposal of various waste components.
Segregating waste simplifies reducing overall waste generation, identifying items suitable for reuse, and setting aside recycling materials. By practicing waste segregation and fostering awareness among the workforce, valuable recyclable items are prevented from being disposed of with general waste.
Approximately 700 tons of solid waste are collected and transported daily by the Sanitation Directorate and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) from the federal capital. —APP
