Solid Waste as Resource (SWR)

The World Bank estimates that globally with the increase in the rate of urbanization and economic development the waste will increase to 3.40 billion tons in 2050 as compared to 2.01 billion tons in 2016. It is worrying to note that 33% of the waste produced is not managed in an environment friendly way.

Urban Waste Management and disposal is a major issue in Pakistan. Every year 48.5 Million tons of Municipal Solid Waste is produced with an annual increase of 2% (International Trade Administration, 2019). The ecological impact of the waste is huge as burning, dumping and burying are the options adopted by the municipalities as well as the communities. The informal means to collect, recycle and reuse are limited and traditional in nature. Lack of the required infrastructure, capacity of the municipalities, and the lack of segregation at source are some of the major issues. Research, innovation and initiatives around circular economy and business options around waste to resource remain bleak. It is important to strengthen urban governance systems for responsive waste management and disposal by engaging public and private sectors hence IoU aims to;

• Partner with public and private sector to find and upscale innovative, hybrid and collaborative waste management solutions
• Support policy interventions on waste management that promote circular economy and incorporate best practices around waste management
• Engage public sector and communities for collaborative governance and awareness around waste management in the country