LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a new “Smart Waste Management Process” by introducing color-coded dustbins across the province to improve waste collection and recycling.
In the first phase, the project will be implemented in all public and private schools and colleges. According to an official notification, five different colored bins will be placed to collect different types of waste.
Under the plan:
-
Yellow bins – paper and cardboard
-
Green bins – bottles, glass pieces, lab waste
-
Grey bins – fruit peels, leftover food, leaves, rotten vegetables
-
Red bins – iron and other metal waste
-
Orange bins – plastic waste
The initiative aims to promote recycling and reduce the growing garbage piles in Punjab. The collected waste will be recycled and reused to encourage eco-friendly habits among students.
Senior Minister for Environment and Climate Change Maryam Aurangzeb will supervise the project, while Education Minister Rana Sikandar and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Malik have been given clear targets to ensure its success.
ALSO READ
Over 70% work completed on Rawalpindi Ring Road project
Schools have been directed to install the bins by September 30, with inspections beginning from October 1. Institutions failing to comply will face fines.
The Punjab Waste Management Helpline (1139) has also been set up for schools to request trash collection.
The Local Government & Community Development Department will assist in managing the system, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will conduct inspections. Schools that meet the standards will receive certificates of appreciation.
Officials believe the initiative will play a key role in reducing pollution and promoting green practices across Punjab.
In another move to tackle pollution, an eco-friendly initiative has been launched in Lahore to fight plastic waste by rewarding citizens for recycling used plastic bottles.
Under this programme, residents can deposit empty plastic bottles into Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and earn up to Rs1,000 in “Green Credit” per kilogram of plastic, which is roughly 20 one-and-a-half-litre bottles.
The project, led by ISP Environmental Solutions with support from the Intratech Group and the World Bank, is part of Punjab EPA’s Green Credit Program. It aims to change how urban waste is managed by giving people financial incentives to recycle.
ALSO READ
Pakistan adds 6.3 million new voters, total hits 134.9 million
Lahore generates around 500 tons of plastic waste daily, much of which ends up polluting waterways and landfills, said Intratech Group Chairperson Gulfam Abid.
“These Reverse Vending Machines will collect single-use plastic items like bottles, cups and plates,” he explained. “The collected material will be turned into raw materials for footpaths, road repairs and eco-friendly bricks.”
Each RVM can hold 25 kilograms of plastic and has sensors to reject non-plastic materials. To use the machine, residents insert the bottles, press button A, enter their mobile number, and press button B to see their credit details. A dedicated mobile app also allows users to track their credit, connect with waste dealers, and schedule pick-ups.
Over 18,000 local scrap dealers have been added to the system, enabling them to earn green credit along with their usual profits.
The machines are currently being installed at four private universities in Lahore, with plans to expand to public places later. While locally manufactured in Pakistan, the machines use advanced Chinese technology and cost around Rs800,000 each to produce.
Officials said the initiative will help reduce plastic waste and promote a cleaner, greener Punjab by turning trash into useful products and offering citizens a financial reason to recycle.
