Out of the 3.9 million tons of plastic waste created annually, only about 1.3 million is recycled in the country
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam wants the plastic producers to play their part in better managing plastic waste in a sustainable manner. Pakistan produces a total of 3.9 million tons of plastic waste annually, which is expected to increase to 6.12 million tons per annum by 2050.
About 70% of this plastic, amounting to up to 2.6 million tons is either mismanaged or remains without any management, which is a major environmental hazard. Only about 25% to 30% is properly recycled and reused. About 30 million tons of total municipal waste is created every year in the country.
“Though plastic waste in the municipal waste stream presently accounts for 10% to 14% but the share of plastic waste in the overall municipal waste is rapidly increasing due to the growing generation of plastic waste on the heels of the galloping population of the country”, explained Malik.
Better recycling needed
Malik further emphasized that Pakistan is pretty far back when it comes to making use of recycled plastic. He said that public and private partnerships can help better utilize plastic waste.
“Collaboration of all stakeholders both in the public and private sectors including manufacturers of plastic products like Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibers for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fiber for engineering resins,” the SAPM said.
Experts weighed in on the various options available to tackle the problem. There was a discussion of a ban on one-time-use plastic products which has worked well in some parts of the world. Others emphasized that the existing plastic can be used to economic advantage and recycled in a variety of products.
The solution
A wholesome approach is needed to counter the use of plastic. To begin with, people should be encouraged to use reusable products where possible like cups in cafes and glass water bottles. The use of plastic alternatives, those that are biodegradable is the next step.
There are many plastic materials made from starch that can dissolve in water. These can also lessen the use of plastic bags and other similar products. People should also be encouraged to recycle. In many U.S. states, there is a payout for every plastic bottle or aluminum can that is put into designated machines.
Last but certainly not least, using modern techniques to recycle and increasing the range of products that can be made from recycled plastic is the key. The government needs to define achievable goals for a period of ten to twenty years and come up with a workable plan to achieve its outcome.
