In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the sight of smoldering waste is a common occurrence. Piles of trash – plastic bags, rags, and leaves – are set alight often by residents seeking a quick fix to the mounting waste problem.
As garbage turns to ashes, smoke billows into the air, darkening the skies and leaving a lingering haze. This smoke carries hidden threats, endangering the air we breathe, our environment, and public health.
Waste Burning – a common yet dangerous practice
Across Pakistan, from the urban sprawl of Islamabad to remote rural areas, the burning of waste in the open is a common sight. Piles of plastic bags, agricultural residue, and household waste are set alight in the absence of proper waste management systems. In a country where only 60 to 70% of urban waste is collected, open waste burning (OWB) is seen as a cheap and accessible alternative for communities and frontline waste workers struggling to manage the remainder. But this practice is also a major source of pollution.
Open waste burning – a global issue
Does this happen only in Pakistan? No. The open burning of waste occurs worldwide and is more common in low- and middle-income countries with poor waste management.
An estimated one billion tons of waste may be burned in open, uncontrolled fires globally each year, making it a significant source of air pollutants. In many countries of the Global South, open burning is often seen as a quick and easy way to dispose of waste, despite the harmful emissions it produces. Much of this waste is plastic, which releases CO₂ and other greenhouse gases when burned, while the plastics that aren’t burned can still pollute land and water.
This waste burning is harming “tens of millions” of people globally, according to a review of scientific evidence led by the University of Leeds and Engineering X. However, due to insufficient data, the full extent of the problem remains unclear, underscoring the urgent need for further research.
In Pakistan
According to estimates, open waste burning contributed approximately 0.9 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) equivalent (Mt CO2e) to Pakistan’s carbon emissions in 2017-18. The issue has become so pressing that the Government of Pakistan has included the prevention of OWB as one of the five priority areas under its National Clean Air Policy 2023. Yet, despite a complete ban on the burning of municipal, agricultural, industrial and hazardous waste under the nation’s mitigation objectives, enforcement remains weak, and the practice continues unabated.
In Islamabad
Islamabad, a city of approximately 2.6 million people, generates 1,575 tons of municipal waste daily, yet only 600 tons reach the official dumping site, according to 2023 estimates by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
In areas outside CDA’s formal collection zones, uncollected waste is often dumped in vacant spaces or burned openly, despite being illegal, mainly due to a lack of awareness and weak enforcement. In Islamabad, a fine of Rs 1,500 is imposed for open waste burning, yet few are aware of it, and even fewer fear its enforcement.
A study by the Islamabad-based Institute of Urbanism (IoU), which surveyed 300 households across various sectors in Islamabad, revealed most respondents were unaware that open waste burning is prohibited by law. About 24% reported this practice occurring in their area, primarily in non-CDA sectors, with residents, particularly men, burning waste to dispose of uncollected garbage. While some understood the associated health risks, only a few were aware of its environmental impact.
Health and Environmental impacts of open waste burning
The consequences of OWB are multifaceted and far-reaching. The open burning of waste releases pollutants, including black carbon, which contributes to fine particulate matter or PM2.5 (particles small enough to enter the bloodstream and the deadliest form of air pollution which causes millions of premature deaths). It also has a climate impact up to 5,000 times greater than CO2, equating to 2-10% of global CO2 emissions. This makes waste burning a significant driver of climate change and air pollution.
Explaining the severity of the impacts of the harmful pollutants released during waste burning, Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, a Senior Program Fellow at the Institute of Urbanism (IoU), said: “The release of toxic gases and harmful microplastics from open waste burning contaminates our air and environment. This practice endangers public health and requires immediate cessation.” The inhalation of pollutants from OWB is linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, skin and lung cancers, and cardiovascular problems. The vulnerable segments of the population, particularly children and the elderly, are at an even greater risk, he added.
In cities like Lahore and Karachi, where smog has become a seasonal menace, OWB is a significant contributing factor. The combination of industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and waste burning creates a toxic combination that reduces visibility and chokes the air, leading to a public health crisis. “Open waste burning is a big source of carbon emissions and air pollution in Pakistan. It also contributes to the issue of smog, which has become the fifth and extremely dangerous reason in many of our major cities” said Ayesha
Majid, Senior Program Coordinator at IoU.
Urgent action needed to end Open Waste Burning
Experts are urging swift action to eliminate open waste burning in Pakistan, citing serious risks to public health and the environment. In Pakistan, “people often burn single-use plastic bags and rags due to a lack of awareness and alternatives, ignoring the impact on their surroundings and their own health,” said Dr. Sofia Khalid, Head of Environmental Sciences at AIOU. She stressed the need for better government systems and public education to combat this harmful practice.
Socioeconomic context: OWB persists largely due to socioeconomic challenges in Pakistan. In many areas, especially suburban regions of Islamabad and rural communities, waste collection services are sporadic or non-existent, leaving residents with few options. For many, burning waste is seen as a necessary solution to prevent sanitation issues. Economic constraints also play a role. Frontline waste workers and low-income communities have limited access to sustainable and affordable waste management methods. Without these options, OWB becomes their default choice.
What is the solution?
Changing the perception of waste and introducing sustainable waste management practices are essential steps in curbing OWB. This was the focus of a recent youth capacity-building workshop organized by the Institute of Urbanism with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering.
The workshop, titled “Let’s Learn Why Not to Burn,” brought together experts, stakeholders, and students from the Prime Minister’s Youth Program’s Green Youth Movement (GYM) clubs to explore alternatives to OWB.
Local Heroes: Pioneering Change in Waste Management in Pakistan
While the challenges are significant, there are individuals and organizations in Pakistan working to offer sustainable alternatives and raise awareness about the dangers of this practice. One of the key messages from the youth workshop was the need to shift from a “burn it” mentality to one of “don’t burn but earn.” This means that instead of viewing waste as a resource rather than a nuisance, communities can adopt practices that are both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial.
♻️ Trash Bee: Recycling for a Cleaner Future
Arslan Ayaz, the CEO of Trash Bee, has been a trailblazer in promoting eco-friendly waste management solutions. Trash Bee operates as a recycling facility and eco-friendly supply chain that provides custom recycling services for urban households and corporate clients.
By offering door-to-door pickup of recyclable materials and transforming plastic waste into reusable products, Trash Bee has set an example of how waste can be managed sustainably. The facility also produces environmentally friendly bamboo wood cutlery, reducing the reliance on single-use plastics. Since its inception, Trash Bee has recycled over 11 tons of paper, and hundreds of kilograms of plastic, and metal.
♻️ Waste Hero: Engaging Youth for a Zero-Waste Society
Raza Javed, the founder of Waste Hero, is spearheading efforts to improve waste management practices in Islamabad. His youth-led initiative emphasizes waste segregation and recycling, particularly by engaging students from local universities. Waste Hero’s advocacy campaigns strive to create a zero-waste society by educating the public and providing innovative waste collection services to restaurants and businesses. Javed’s work underscores the critical role of community involvement in addressing waste management issues and serves as a model for how grassroots initiatives can drive meaningful change.
“The mismanagement of waste, including open waste burning, is deeply rooted in behavioral issues,” Javed noted. “As a community, we need to take responsibility for our waste instead of viewing it as merely a nuisance. Waste holds significant potential, as shown by how other countries are harnessing its value. It’s time we shift our perception and recognize the importance of those who work with it to create a sustainable future.” He also emphasized the potential of leveraging digital platforms to raise awareness and curb OWB practices.
♻️ Eco-Organics Fertilizer: Turning Waste into Wealth
Aqsa Arshad, an MPhil student at Quaid-i-Azam University, has translated her academic insights into tangible impact with the creation of Eco-Organics Fertilizer – a pioneering on-campus composting facility. Situated near Margalla Hills National Park, this initiative transforms green and brown waste into eco-friendly fertilizers, addressing waste management issues and promoting organic farming. With an initial investment of Rs. 350,000, her facility has become a model of sustainability, demonstrating that properly managed waste can be converted into valuable resources rather than being discarded or burned.
“Green and brown waste, if properly utilized, would not need to be burned as it can be converted into compost and biofertilizers and subsequently be sold for a profit,” Arshad emphasized. This demonstrates a shift in perspective—from viewing waste as mere refuse to recognizing it as a resource that can be reused, recycled, and repurposed.
Moving towards a Cleaner Future
These local heroes show that with innovation, determination, and community engagement, Pakistan can transform waste from a problem into a valuable resource, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier environment.
To address the waste burning crisis, community engagement, innovative solutions, and raising awareness and involvement of Pakistan’s youth are crucial. Combined with effective policies and their implementation, these steps are essential for advancing sustainable waste management and ending open waste burning.
