Karachi, the city notorious for its nightlife and entertainment, is equally known for its pollution. Wherever you go- be it the busy Saddar streets or the more refined DHA roads – the overflowing garbage on sidewalks and the bad smell of decaying filth is inescapable. Sadly, Karachi’s waste is a persistent scourge. The problem is impossible to solve. But what if we could actually find some use for this waste? Could it become an asset for Pakistan in the form of energy, jobs, and economic potential? This article analyses the ways in which Pakistan can resolve its waste management issues and use them to their advantage.
The annual solid waste generation in Pakistan exceeds 30 million tons, yet less than 60% of waste is collected. The remainder is left to accumulate on streets, vacant plots, and even along rivers. Karachi, with its population, generates roughly 16,500 tons of waste a day but only 40-50% is disposed of in a proper manner and the rest is either dumped informally or thrown into water bodies. It only makes things worse as this practice exacerbates the already trying environmental and health conditions. Even well-polished areas such as DHA are not spared from the sight of conspicuous rubbish piles, and blocked drains during the monsoonal rains result in overflowing filthy water on roads.
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This is more than an unpleasant sight in the first place – it is a danger to the public health. The foul waste lures insects like roaches and flies that carry diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Water that isn’t moving becomes a source of mosquitoes, which raises the threat of contracting malaria and dengue. Chronic waste practices of open burning of rubbish emits noxious gases which damage health and affect breathing, especially in the old and young. In developing countries such as Pakistan, poor waste management is said to contribute 22% of all preventable illnesses according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The financial burden on these health risks is enormous. The World Bank puts the figure for air pollution at $2.5 billion a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity for Pakistan.
However, what frustrates me the most is that a lot of this waste could have been reused, recycled or turned into energy. Rather, these are left to rot while also wasting valuable resources and polluting the environment. This is an opportunity we can no longer afford to ignore.
Waste does not have to be a problem. It can actually be useful. Many countries have found new ways to turn waste into useful things, and Pakistan should do the same. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to use waste is recycling. Things like paper, plastic, glass, and metal can be changed into new products. This also helps create more jobs. Old plastic bottles can be turned into polyester, which is used to make clothes. Old electronics can be broken down to take out important metals like gold and copper. Recycling plastic is especially helpful. According to the Global Recycling Foundation, recycling one ton of plastic can save about 3.8 barrels of oil.
Another approach that is currently being used is waste-to-energy technology. Plants designed for incineration of non-recyclable refuse possess the capability to produce electricity, or alternatively, transform it into biogas through anaerobic digestion. This assists in mitigating the amount of waste in landfills while alleviating the energy crisis in Pakistan.
In Pakistan, the majority of the waste produced is organic in nature. This type of waste can be turned into fertilizer through composting. Reducing reliance upon chemical fertilizers improves soil health, and provides employment opportunities for unskilled workers. A case in point is Lahore Compost which takes organic waste and produces compost and biogas. These people are provided with employment and it also reduces waste in landfills. In Karachi, waste pickers go around the city and collect recyclable materials which are later sold. This serves the dual purpose of cleaning the city and providing income to the collectors.
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Countries such as Japan and Sweden have done a commendable job in waste management. Sweden even imports waste from other countries to convert it into energy. India has improved in this regard as well. The government now recognizes informal garbage scavengers as part of the recycling framework. This is beneficial for both waste management and employment. Despite the apparent progress, many challenges still remain. One significant challenge is the insufficient number of waste collection, sorting, and recycling facilities available. Most Pakistani cities do not have decent landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, or proper recycling centers. The waste collection and recycling work is predominantly informal. Workers are paid a meager wage and work under deplorable conditions. Providing basic training, defining systematized procedures, and offering better compensation would be a good first step. This would greatly benefit the workers while also improving the system.
For a number of people, separating waste remains a trivial task while the benefits of recycling go unnoticed. Parting food waste from anything recyclable seems simple yet makes a world of difference. Educating people and having them collaborate is crucial. The government should also act in a more vigorous manner. Policies focused on reducing waste, increasing recycling levels, and implementing green technologies prioritize what’s essential. Improved guidelines can incur positive results to both individuals and businesses.Waste management in Pakistan is not an environmental, but also social issue. Nature can be preserved, and jobs can be created from recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy programs.
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The issue of waste in Pakistan is a challenge and an opportunity simultaneously. Recognition of recycling, waste to energy policies and composting as an opportunity to invest not only in recycling and waste but the creating of job opportunities whilst protecting the environment can make waste a resource. Pakistan has a huge potential in this domain; however, favorable policies, infrastructure, and a change in attitude from both the public and private sectors is vital. Businesses have to adopt advanced technologies and more productive methods. The general population can do their part in waste reduction by opting to sort their waste and use eco-friendly products.
Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. If Pakistan optimizes its waste management systems, the country will improve significantly. Turning waste into something useful will improve the quality of life for many, and thus, decisive action needs to be taken now.
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This article was contributed by: Miss Areesha Shaikh, she is student of MS in Economics at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, with experience in research and data analysis .
