Waste Management Legislation in the World and Pakistan

By

Eman Mughal 21011561-030

Soma Tanveer 21011561-038

Maryam Tanveer 21011561-043

Kashafkamran 21011561-076

Rimsha Hussain 21011561-072

Course Title

Solid and hazardous waste management

Course Code

ES-413

BS Environmental Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF GUJRAT

A WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITY

Department OF Environmental Sciences

University of Gujrat
Session 2021-2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
l. Introduction . ................................................... 1
2. Global Overview Of Waste Management Legislation........................................................2
3. Waste Management Legislation In Pakistan...

4. Comparative Analysis: Global Vs. Pakistani Waste Management Legislation .................

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5. Challenges And Barriers To Effective Waste Management In Pakistan
6. Future Directions And Recommendations . 10
8. References .......................................... .. ....... 12

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 Waste Management Legislation in the World and Pakistan
1. INTRODUCTION

1. 1.Background and importance of waste management

Squander the board alludes to the assortment, transportation, handling, reusing, and removal
of waste materials to limit their unfriendly impacts on wellbeing, the climate, and style. The
requirement for successful waste administration has become basic as worldwide waste age
keeps on increasing at a disturbing rate. As per the World Bank's 2018 report, What a Waste
2.0, the world creates over 2.01 billion tons of metropolitan strong waste every year. This is
supposed to increment by 70% to arrive at 3.4 billion tons by 2050 in the event that critical
moves are not made. The report additionally features that around 33% of waste universally is
botched through open unloading, burning without controls, or other perilous strategies, which
prompts extreme natural contamination and general wellbeing chances.

Squander blunder adds to environmental change through the arrival of ozone depleting
substances like methane from landfills and influences biological systems by contaminating
water bodies, soil, and air. For example, 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the seas yearly,
compromising marine life and biological systems. Wasteful waste administration likewise has
social and financial ramifications, especially in low-and center pay nations, where ill-advised
removal of unsafe and clinical waste can prompt serious wellbeing emergencies and monetary
misfortunes.

1.2. Waste legislation

This task plans to break down squander the executives regulation both universally and in
Pakistan, zeroing in on how various nations have created administrative structures to oversee
squander proficiently and economically. By looking at worldwide accepted procedures and
Pakistan's current legitimate structure, this study will give experiences into the adequacy of
waste administration regulations, recognize difficulties, and propose suggestions for
development in Pakistan's framework.

A survey of worldwide waste administration regulation and key peaceful accords. An

examination of waste administration regulations in Pakistan, their advancement, and the holes
in strategy and execution. A relative investigation among Pakistan and created nations to
feature the qualities and shortcomings of Pakistan's waste administration framework.

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In a time where supportable improvement is a worldwide need, understanding the official
structures encompassing waste administration is critical for making ecologically capable,
financially practical, and socially evenhanded arrangements.

2. 'GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION

1.3.Key International Convections And Agreements

Squander the board is represented by a few global shows and arrangements that plan to
normalize rehearses and direct the transboundary development of waste, especially risky
materials. Key shows include:

Basel convection (1989): Perhaps of the main worldwide deal, the Basel Show
controls the transboundary developments of perilous waste and their removal. It
expects to decrease the age of risky waste and guarantee its earth sound
administration. Starting around 2023, 190 gatherings have sanctioned the show.

Stockholm convection (2001): This worldwide deal targets Diligent Natural Poisons
(POPs), which are synthetic substances that stay in one piece in the climate for
extensive stretches, bioaccumulate in living creatures, and posture dangers to human
wellbeing and the climate. The Stockholm Show limits or wipes out the creation and
utilization of specific unsafe synthetics, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
and dioxins.

Minamata convection on Mercury (2013): This settlement is intended to safeguard

human wellbeing and the climate from anthropogenic discharges and arrivals of
mercury and mercury compounds. It accentuates decreasing mercury squander, one of
the most harmful and unsafe types of waste worldwide.

EU waste framework directive (2008): The European Association's regulation on

squander sets the central standards of waste administration in the locale. It lays out a
waste pecking order, focusing on counteraction, reuse, reusing, and recuperation
before removal. The mandate additionally sets reusing focuses for part states and
stresses
Expanded Maker Obligation (EPR).

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 UN sustainable development goals (SDGs): Objective 12 (Dependable Utilization and
Creation) centers around guaranteeing feasible utilization and creation designs, which
incorporate sound waste administration. Target 12.5 intends to considerably lessen
squander age through anticipation, decrease, reusing, and reuse by 2030.
1. 4.Waste Management Legislation In Developed Countries

1.4.1. European union (EU)

The EU has one of the most exceptional regulative systems for squander the executives. It
advances a roundabout economy, where waste is limited, and materials are reused and reused
to keep assets available for use as far as might be feasible.

Circular Economy Action Plan (2020): The arrangement supports the Waste
System Order by setting new reusing targets, decreasing bundling waste, and
guaranteeing more manageable item plans. The EU reusing rate stretched
around 47% of city squander in 2020, with objectives to build this further by
2035.
Expanded producer responsibility (EPR): This strategy considers makers
answerable for the whole lifecycle of their items, including the waste created
toward the finish of an item 's life. It covers items like hardware, bundling, and
vehicles. EPR plans have further developed reusing rates essentially across
Europe.
1.42. United States
The U.S. way to deal with squander the executives is represented basically by the Asset
Protection and Recuperation Act (RCRA) and the Thorough Natural Reaction, Remuneration,
and Responsibility Act (CERCLA).

RCRA (1976): This regulation gives the structure to the appropriate

administration of unsafe and non-perilous waste in the U.S. It orders safe
removal, advances reusing, and directs squander treatment and storage spaces. It
guarantees that 90 million tons of unsafe waste are overseen securely every
year.
CERCLA (1980): Otherwise called the Superfund, this regulation tends to risky
waste locales, approving the national government to tidy up tainted regions and
consider people in question responsible for natural reclamation.

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1.5. Waste Management Legislation In Developing Countries
1.42.1. India

India faces critical difficulties in dealing with its developing waste issue, yet administrative
changes as of late have planned to resolve this issue.

Solid waste management Rules (2016): These guidelines accentuate

the isolation of waste at source, house to house squander
assortment, and appropriate removal of waste in sterile landfills.
Regardless of enhancements, just around 60% of metropolitan
waste is gathered, and under 30% is handled.
Plastic waste management Rules (2016, altered in 2022): These
guidelines boycott specific single-use plastics and execute EPR for
plastic makers. India produces 3.4 million tons of plastic waste
yearly, making authorization of these standards basic.
1.42.2. South Africa

South Africa has confronted serious waste administration challenges, yet ongoing approaches
have been pointed toward further developing reusing and decreasing landfill dependence.

• National environmental management waste act (2008): This regulation means to forestall
squander age and advance reusing. South Africa reuses 34% of its plastic waste and has
created fruitful ventures around reusing specific materials, however by and large waste
administration actually faces calculated and subsidizing difficulties.

3. WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION IN PAKISTAN

The framework for waste management in Pakistan is evolving as time passed to meet the
escalating problems of environmental degradation, industrialization, and urbanization.
Nonetheless, there are still major problems with infrastructure, public awareness, and
enforcement. The following provides a comprehensive review of the important waste
management policies along with challenges.
3.1 Evolution of Waste Management in Pakistan
Early waste management initiatives concentrated on providing inadequate sanitation services,
which were not widely available in cities. The fast growth of cities, which raised hazards to
public health and the environment, made the necessity for structured rules clear. Municipal
authorities handled trash locally in the beginning, but as time went on, provincial-level laws
were implemented to increase efficiency and governance (Government of Pakistan, 1997).

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3.2 Major Waste Management Laws and Policies
1. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997:
The foundation of environmental law, PEPA gives federal as well as provincial environmental
protection organizations the authority to control pollution and handle hazardous waste.
Environmental standards are defined by the act, and infractions are punished (Government of
Pakistan, 1997).

2. National Sanitation Policy (2006):

The foundation of environmental law, PEPA gives federal as well as provincial environmental
protection organizations the authority to control pollution and handle hazardous waste.
Environmental standards are defined by the act, and infractions are punished (Government of
Pakistan, 1997).

3. National Climate Change Policy (2012):

This policy prioritizes waste management as a means of lowering emissions and controlling
environmental effects, even as it focuses on climate adaptation (Ministry of Climate Change,
2012).

4. Provincial Waste Management Acts:

The Punjab Solid trash Management Act of 2014 encourages public-private
partnerships and improved local service delivery mechanisms to promote
sustainable trash management (Punjab Assembly, 2014).
The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Act of 2014, revised in 2021,
empowers solid waste boards to oversee garbage collection, segregation,
recycling, and disposal, as well as explore waste-to-energy options (Sindh
Assembly, 2021 ).

3.3 Municipal and Industrial Waste Management Policies

Municipal solid trash collection and disposal are handled by local governments, however
recycling is still largely handled by the unorganized sector. Environmental rules regulate
industrial waste management, however they are not strictly enforced. In order to enhance
waste handling infrastructure, cooperation with the business sector is being investigated (Ali,
2019).

3.4 E-Waste Management Legislation in Pakistan

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An increase in electronic garbage (e-waste) is becoming a significant concern. Although talks
to incorporate extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws are now under progress, Pakistan
does not currently have any special legislation for the handling of e-waste. Manufacturers
would have to manage garbage generated by their products in their lives. However,
inadequacies in monitoring and implementation continue to impede development (Ministry of

Climate Change, 2012).

3.5 Recycling and Circular Economy Initiatives

1. Informal Sector's Role:

One important component of garbage recovery is the informal sector, which includes rubbish
pickers and recyclers who gather commodities from metropolitan areas including metals and
plastics. Nonetheless, this industry faces health and safety hazards and functions without
official recognition (Government of Pakistan, 2006).

2. Circular Economy Efforts:

The circular economy is being promoted by provincial waste management boards through the
encouragement of recycling, reuse, as well as waste-to-energy initiatives. Although these
initiatives are in line with worldwide sustainability trends, scalability would not be possible
without more robust policy incentives (Sindh Assembly, 2021).

3. Challenges:

Limited Awareness: Public awareness of garbage segregation along with recycling

remains poor, impacting participation rates.
Inadequate Infrastructure: There aren't many facilities for processing waste, and
enterprises aren't given sufficient incentives to make the shift to sustainable practices.
Formal Integration
Integrating informal trash workers into the larger waste management system requires a
formal structure in order to guarantee efficiency and equitable working conditions
(Rehman et al., 2021).

4. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: GLOBAL VS. PAKISTANI WASTE MANAGEMENT

LEGISLATION

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In this section, we will explore the differences and similarities between waste management
legislation in Pakistan and international best practices, focusing on key legislative
differences, strengths, and weaknesses, supported by academic references.

4.1: Key Differences In Legislative Approaches

Stringency of Laws and Enforcement Mechanisms

Global Context:

In developed countries, waste management laws are often rigorous, supported by strong
enforcement mechanisms. For instance, the European Union (EU) Waste Framework
Directive sets comprehensive targets for waste reduction and recycling, with strict penalties
for noncompliance (European Commission, 2008). This framework ensures that
municipalities adhere to specific recycling rates and waste diversion targets, backed by
financial and technical resources.

Pakistan:

In contrast, Pakistan's legislative framework, while containing laws like the Pakistan
Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997, suffers from weak enforcement. A study by Ali
et al. (2019) highlights that local authorities often lack the capacity and resources to enforce
regulations effectively, resulting in widespread illegal dumping and ineffective waste
management practices. The fragmented nature of municipal governance further complicates
enforcement (Jabeen et al., 2020).

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Comparison

Global Practices: Countries such as Germany have robust Extended Producer Responsibility
(EPR) policies that hold manufacturers accountable for the lifecycle of their products,
fostering responsibility for waste management and encouraging sustainable product design
(Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).

Pakistan: Currently, EPR principles are not well established in Pakistan. Although discussions
are ongoing regarding the implementation of EPR policies, many industries do not actively
participate in waste management efforts. According to a report by the World Bank (2018), this
lack of EPR results in increased waste generation, highlighting the need for policy reforms to
promote producer responsibility.

Decentralization of Waste Management

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Global Approach: Many developed nations adopt a centralized approach to waste
management, allowing for coordinated resource allocation and strategic planning at the
national level. This ensures consistency in waste management practices and compliance with
environmental standards (L6pez-Ridaura et al., 2021).

Pakistan: Waste management in Pakistan is primarily decentralized, with provinces and

municipalities operating independently. This leads to significant disparities in waste
management practices and resource allocation. Jabeen et al. (2020) point out that the lack of
coordination among different levels of government hampers effective waste management,
creating inefficiencies and inconsistent service delivery.

4.2 Strengths and Weaknesses of Pakistan's Legislation

Strengths

Recognition of Issues: Pakistan has made progress in recognizing waste management

challenges through various policies, such as the National Climate Change Policy (2012) and
provincial waste management laws. These initiatives indicate an increasing awareness of the
necessity for structured waste management (Siddiqui et al., 2020).

Community Involvement: There are efforts to engage communities in waste management

practices, particularly through informal recycling initiatives. This grassroots involvement can
be leveraged for more formalized systems, as informal recyclers play a critical role in
managing urban waste (Zubair et al., 2021).

Weaknesses

Gaps in Enforcement and Infrastructure: Pakistan faces significant challenges regarding the
enforcement of existing laws and the lack of adequate infrastructure. Ali et al. (2019) note
that insufficient funding and technical resources hinder local governments' ability to
implement effective waste collection and disposal systems. This leads to a reliance on
outdated methods and poor waste management outcomes.

Role of Provincial Governments: The effectiveness of waste management laws can vary
significantly among provinces. Jabeen et al. (2020) argue that this inconsistency can create
disparities in waste management efforts, with some provinces successfully implementing
systems while others lag behind, ultimately undermining national waste management
objectives.

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Comparison with Developed Countries: Developed countries benefit from advanced
technologies and practices, such as waste-to-energy facilities and comprehensive recycling
programs. Pakistan's current practices are often outdated, and the country lacks investment in
innovative waste management solutions (Siddiqui et al., 2020).

In summary, while Pakistan has established a legislative framework for waste management,
significant challenges remain in enforcement, consistency, and the integration of modern
practices. By learning from global best practices and addressing its legislative weaknesses,
Pakistan can enhance its waste management systems.

5. CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT

IN PAKISTAN
5.1 Institutional and Legal Challenges

The lax the implementation of current rules in Pakistan seriously impedes effective waste
management. Because of disagreements over jurisdiction between federal and provincial
agencies, the legal framework frequently lacks reliability. Despite the existence of numerous
waste management laws, Ali et al. (2017) point out that many of them are still unenacted
because of a lack of political will and insufficient regulatory frameworks. Given this
fragmentation, it is difficult to create a cohesive waste management strategy and to apply
uniform standards across various regions.

5.2 Financial and Technical Barriers

One major obstacle to better the disposal of waste in Pakistan is a lack of funding. The nation
suffers from a lack of funding for the essential infrastructure, which results in garbage
disposal methods that are ineffective. According to Khan et al. (2019), a lack of investment
exacerbates environmental and public health problems by leading to inadequate trash
collection services and poorly managed landfills. Furthermore, the nation's ability to put into
practice efficient recycling and segregation of waste procedures is constrained by a notable
technology gap in waste management practices.

5.3 Public Awareness and Participation Issues

In Pakistan, there is a notable lack of public understanding on recycling and waste
segregation. A large portion of the populace is ignorant of the significance of waste
management procedures, which reduces community involvement. According to Bhatti et al.
(2020), socioeconomic reasons also make it difficult for informal recycling workers—who
are essential to the waste management ecosystem—to get involved. Establishing a culture of

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accountability and enhancing overall waste management results need increasing public
engagement through awareness and instruction efforts.

5.4 Corruption and Governance Issues

In Pakistan, corruption is a serious obstacle to efficient garbage management. According to

Sadiq et al. (2018), bribery in handling waste contracts cause local authorities to misallocate
resources and provide services inefficiently. This causes the already overburdened waste
management system to deteriorate even more. There is a need for increased regulatory
supervision and transparency since poor governance and a lack of accountable processes
exacerbate persistent issues.

6. FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Policy Recommendations for Pakistan

Pakistan must fortify its legislative frameworks at the provincial and federal levels in order to
handle the numerous issues pertaining to waste management. Strict Additional Producer
Responsibility (EPR) regulations could make producers answerable for the trash that comes
from their goods. Expanding formal garbage collection and recycling systems would ease the
strain on municipal services and encourage a more environmentally friendly approach to
waste management, according to Rehman et al. (2021).

6.2 Role of Technology and Innovation in Waste Management

Adopting new technologies can greatly improve waste management procedures. Using smart
waste management technologies, like monitoring systems based on the Internet of Things
(IOT), can help cut expenses and increase efficiency. According to Zubair et al. (2020),
building waste-to-energy facilities in cities may also have the dual advantage of lowering
landfill waste and producing renewable energy, meeting disposal of waste and energy
demands at the same time.

6.3 Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

PPPs (public-private partnerships) have the potential to significantly enhance waste

management services. Innovation in waste management techniques and improved service
delivery can result from enlisting private businesses to handle waste collection and
processing. According to Farooq and Hu (2019), using PPP to incentivize investment in
recycling and waste treatment infrastructure can improve handling waste systems' efficacy
and efficiency by utilizing the resources and experience of the private sector.

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6.4 Encouraging Public Participation and Awareness

Education initiatives emphasizing recycling, trash minimization, and segregation are crucial
to creating a more involved populace. According to Bashir et al. (2021), community
involvement in local waste management programs is crucial since it can improve efficacy and
compliance. Local governments can increase citizens' sense of accountability and ownership
by encouraging public participation, which will result in better waste management
techniques.

7. CONCLUSION
All in all, maintainable waste administration requires an exhaustive comprehension of waste
age, treatment, and removal processes. By classifying waste in view of its source and
structure, we can fit administration procedures to address the particular requirements
ofprivate, business, modern, and development areas. Estimating the unit age pace of waste
assumes a significant part in arranging effective assortment and treatment frameworks.
Moreover, the decision of mechanical, warm, or organic treatment strategies relies upon the
idea of the waste and wanted results, like material recuperation or energy age.

Source isolation is basic to enhancing reusing and lessening the ecological effect of waste
administration. Reusing, usage, and landfilling each play unmistakable parts, yet augmenting
asset recuperation through reusing and use is vital to limiting dependence on landfills, which
are the most un-supportable choice. To accomplish a maintainable future, incorporating these
practices with an accentuation on diminishing waste age, upgrading reusing endeavors, and
further developing treatment innovations is basic for proficient and earth dependable waste
administration frameworks.

8. REFERENCES
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developing countries: The case of Lebanon. Journal of Environmental Management, 61(4),
281-300.

Schumacher, K. A. , & Agbemabiese, L. (2021). E-waste legislation in the US: An analysis of

the disparate design and resulting influence on collection rates across States. Journal of
Environmental Planning and Management, 64(6), 1067-1088.

Van Belle, W. A. (1996). Waste management and legislation. In The Science of Composting
(pp. 41-46). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

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Government of Pakistan. (1997). Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA). Islamabad,
Pakistan.

Government of Pakistan. (2006). National Sanitation Policy. Islamabad, Pakistan.

Ministry of Climate Change. (2012). National Climate Change Policy. Islamabad, Pakistan.

Punjab Assembly. (2014). Punjab Solid Waste Management Act. Lahore, Pakistan.

Sindh Assembly. (2021). Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Act. Karachi, Pakistan.

Rehman, T. (2021). Integrating informal waste workers into formal waste systems.
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Ali, M. (2019). Challenges in municipal solid waste management in Pakistan. Journal of

Environmental Science and Policy, 25(3), 150-160.

European Commission. (2008). *Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the
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Jabeen, F., Farooq, M., & Ali, A. (2020). Governance challenges in waste management in
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L6pez-Ridaura, S., et al. (2021). Waste management in the context of sustainable

development:
Lessons from Europe. *Waste Management* , 123, 123-135.
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municipal solid waste management in Pakistan. *Environmental Monitoring and Assessment*
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Ali, M., et al. (2017). "Institutional Framework for Solid Waste Management in Pakistan."
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Bashir, S., et al. (2021). "Community Engagement in Waste Management: Strategies and
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Farooq, U., & Hu, H. (2019). "Public-Private Partnerships in Waste Management: A Pathway
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