Waste segregation made mandatory

Five-colour bins set to facilitate recycling, prevent hazardous burning

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has enforced a waste segregation regime for all commercial centres, shopping malls, plazas, offices and educational institutions amid an intensifying air-pollution problem.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered immediate installation of five colour waste bins in all major establishments as part of a plan to reduce solid-waste burning, improve recycling and ease the growing pollution contributing to hazardous air quality across the province.

The move comes amid alarming air-quality levels in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Multan, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crosses hazardous thresholds. Environmental experts have warned that improper waste disposal, including mixed garbage and open burning, is one of the contributing factors to Punjab's toxic winter smog.

EPA chief Imran Hameed Sheikh said the government can no longer allow inadequate waste handling to fuel the province's pollution crisis, stressing that the segregation requirement is now legally enforceable at thousands of commercial and institutional locations.

Under the mandatory system, a yellow bin for paper, green for glass, grey for organic waste, red for metal and orange for plastic must be placed at visible points in every market, business centre and academic campus.

EPA enforcement teams have been instructed to begin inspections immediately and issue warnings followed by legal action under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act in case of non-compliance.

According to officials, Punjab's smog levels are affecting respiratory health, mobility, and economic activities.

Environmental authorities stated that the segregation at source would reduce the load on municipal waste facilities, prevent open burning of mixed garbage and increase the efficiency of recycling. The steps contribute to long-term reduction in particulate pollution.

The provincial government highlighted that the move supports Pakistan's commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to sustainable cities and climate action.

The EPA said the initiative was part of broader measures, including stricter control over industrial emissions, monitoring of brick kilns, and action against smoke emitting vehicles for easing the hazardous smog choking the urban centres.

The officials added that improper waste disposal had remained a persistent challenge in commercial hubs where huge volumes of plastic, packaging material, disposable items and food waste are generated daily.

Without segregation, much of this waste ends up in landfills or is burned illegally, both of which are major contributors to the pollutant responsible for Punjab's seasonal smog. Authorities believe the mandatory bin system will not only improve recycling rates but also sensitise the public to responsible waste handling.

The chief minister's directives for the purpose also emphasised awareness campaigns targeting traders, mall owners, school administrations and corporate offices.

The Punjab EPA plans to conduct workshops and campaigns to ensure that all establishments understand the 'five bin' system and its environmental significance.

Officials say waste segregation at source is considered one of the most effective global practices for pollution reduction.

The government warned that commercial centres and institutions failing to adopt the new system will face immediate penalties, sealing, or prosecution under environmental laws.