Most remain unaware that Sweden imports waste from other countries to generate energy.
Sweden has embraced the idea of a circular economy, where nothing goes to waste. The country has an impressive network of waste-to-energy plants that process domestic as well as imported waste from other countries. By doing so, Sweden generates electricity and district heating for its residents. The idea is simple: turn waste into something valuable.
The concept behind viewing waste as an economic opportunity could inspire similar projects elsewhere. If waste can be transformed into energy, materials, or even income, it becomes a resource rather than a problem.
If waste can be transformed into energy, materials, or even income, it becomes a resource rather than a problem.
As cities grow and more people move into urban areas, managing waste has become a huge challenge for public health, the environment, and the economy. With its rapidly growing population, Pakistan urgently needs better waste management solutions. However, it is not always easy or affordable for a developing country to adopt the high-tech systems used in the West. Instead, we can learn from simple, practical ideas that have worked in other countries with similar challenges, as well as from successful initiatives within our own country.
Let us explore the scale of the problem in Pakistan, how different countries around the world have tackled their waste problems, and what Pakistan can do better.
The scale of the problem
Pakistan produces over 48 million tons of solid waste annually, and much of it ends in open dumps, polluting land and water. In cities like Lahore and Karachi, overflowing garbage is a common sight, with waste management systems struggling to keep up. This is not just an environmental issue, but a human health crisis. Uncollected waste becomes a breeding ground for diseases, contaminates drinking water, and releases harmful gases into the air.
Punjab is making significant strides in waste management by implementing modern practices aimed at enhancing cleanliness and efficiency. Cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi have adopted door-to-door waste collection systems, combining mechanical and manual methods to ensure regular and effective waste disposal. This approach minimises the reliance on community waste bins, keeping streets cleaner. One exemplary case is the Sargodha Solid Waste Management Company (SWMC), which uses innovative solutions such as GIS mapping to optimise collection routes and ensure comprehensive coverage.
CM Maryam Nawaz has recently launched the ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme, with a target of zero waste. The government has approved plans to shift garbage collected from homes directly to the dumping site, instead of bringing it to collection points in Lahore, and outsource solid waste management services in all tehsils of the province. Addressing the launching ceremony in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said, “As many as 21,000 modern machines and more than 80,000 equipment are being provided for cleaning and garbage collection across Punjab.”
Despite these advancements, challenges persist in achieving a truly sustainable waste management system. Limited budgets constrain the adoption of advanced solutions like recycling plants, while low public awareness hampers efforts to encourage waste sorting and recycling. Cultural stigmas around waste management jobs, reliance on informal waste pickers, and weak enforcement of waste disposal laws add to the complexity of the issue. Moreover, environmental hazards such as open waste burning, and floods exacerbate pollution and undermine cleanup efforts. Addressing these challenges requires both, infrastructural investment and a cultural shift driven by education and community involvement.
There is much to learn from other countries to upgrade our waste management strategies.
Singapore: turning trash into energy
Singapore, a small and crowded country, has found a way to turn waste into energy. The government recognised that with limited space for landfills, they needed a different approach. By burning waste, they cut the amount of trash going into landfills by 90 per cent, and the energy created powers the city. The incineration process is highly regulated to minimise pollution, and the ash produced is safely stored.
This model could prove especially useful for Pakistan’s urban areas, where land is scarce, and energy shortages are common. Imagine a system where the trash in Karachi, Lahore, or any other city could generate power for thousands of homes. It brings to mind the saying, “Waste is a resource in the wrong place.”
South Korea: pay for what you throw away
In South Korea, the government took a different approach by focusing on waste reduction at the source. Citizens are charged based on the amount of waste they cannot recycle, encouraging them to sort waste carefully and recycle as much as possible. This “pay-as-you-throw” policy has reduced waste and has created a more environmentally conscious society.
For communities struggling with waste management, a policy of this kind could push people to be more responsible about the waste they generate. Local governments could implement a similar system, providing incentives for recycling and penalties for excessive waste.
Japan: the zero-waste mindset
In Japan, the emphasis on waste management is not just about systems; it is a cultural movement. The town of Kamikatsu has a strict zero-waste policy, and residents sort their waste into 45 categories. Schools teach children the importance of recycling from an early age, and the entire community takes pride in reducing waste.
This cultural dedication is something any country could adopt. Teaching people to care about their impact on the environment can drive change from the ground up. Pakistan could introduce waste education in schools and involve community leaders to foster a similar mindset.
Germany: making companies responsible
Germany has a well-oiled recycling system that involves everyone — from individuals to large corporations. The “Green Dot” programme requires companies to pay for the waste their packaging generates. The more eco-friendly packaging, the less they pay. This policy has motivated companies to design recyclable or biodegradable products.
This kind of responsibility-sharing could be game-changing. Businesses in Pakistan and beyond could be encouraged or required to play a more active role in waste management, reducing the burden on municipal systems.
China: waste-to-energy facilities
China, known for its rapidly growing urban centres, had to devise large-scale solutions for waste. They built numerous waste-to-energy facilities that reduce landfill use and generate energy for millions. The key here is ensuring that emissions are controlled, something China has heavily invested in.
With energy shortages and overflowing landfills, adopting a similar model could significantly impact large cities facing waste and energy challenges.
Pune, India: waste pickers take charge
Pune used to have a waste crisis, but things turned around when the city partnered with SWaCH, India’s largest cooperative of waste pickers. These workers, often overlooked in the past, now collect waste from homes, sort it, and recycle as much as possible. Residents pay a small fee for this service, and the government supports the initiative with funding and logistics.
This model has not only improved waste management but has also uplifted the lives of thousands of waste pickers. It is proof that involving the community and valuing informal workers can create a win-win solution.
Dhaka, Bangladesh: community composting
In Dhaka, an NGO called Waste Concern found a simple yet powerful way to manage organic waste. They collect organic waste from markets and homes and turn it into compost, which is sold to farmers. This has reduced landfill waste and provided a steady income for the people involved.
The government has supported these efforts by providing land for composting facilities. It is a great example of how community-driven initiatives, with the right backing, can make a huge difference.
Cairo, Egypt: the Zabbaleen recycling system
The Zabbaleen, an informal community in Cairo, has developed one of the world’s most efficient recycling systems. They recycle up to 80 per cent of the collected waste, turning it into a livelihood. Over the years, their work has been recognised, and the government has started to support their efforts by improving their working conditions and investing in better infrastructure.
Surabaya, Indonesia: waste banks
In Surabaya, waste management has been revolutionised with waste banks. Residents bring their recyclables to waste banks, where they earn money or points that can be used for household needs. The city has also promoted composting and created community-driven initiatives to reduce landfill waste. This grassroots approach has made a significant difference in managing waste sustainably.
The way forward
To tackle the challenges of implementing better waste management solutions, Pakistan needs a multi-pronged approach that combines policy reform, public awareness, and infrastructural development. The local governments must prioritise waste management by allocating higher budgets and offering incentives to attract private sector investments in modern technologies, such as waste-to-energy plants and recycling facilities. Strengthening regulations and ensuring their enforcement is crucial to creating accountability among individuals and businesses, with measures like fines for improper waste disposal and rewards for sustainable practices. Public education campaigns starting at the school level can instil a culture of waste segregation and environmental responsibility. Community involvement can be encouraged through grassroots initiatives like composting and waste banks. Integrating informal waste pickers into formal systems, and providing them with proper training and equipment, can improve efficiency and uplift marginalised communities. Additionally, localised solutions tailored to urban and rural needs, coupled with climate-resilient infrastructure to handle disruptions like floods, will ensure a more sustainable and inclusive waste management framework.
To tackle the challenges of implementing better waste management solutions, Pakistan needs a multi-pronged approach that combines policy reform, public awareness, and infrastructural development.
The writer is an educationist and teaches at the University of Central Punjab.
