From Waste to Worth: Pakistan’s Plastic Recycling Drive

Tayyab Zarif

Islamabad: In a significant step toward combating plastic pollution, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has launched an innovative initiative to provide recycled plastic chairs and tables to Turkiye in exchange for raw plastic collected from them.

This initiative aims to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges—single-use plastics—by promoting recycling and sustainability. The exchange program transforms confiscated plastic waste into eco-friendly products such as green benches and planters, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

Pak-EPA Director Zaigham Abbas emphasized the agency’s commitment to reducing plastic waste through collaborative efforts. “We are delivering recycled chairs after receiving plastic from the Turkish embassy,” he stated, revealing that discussions are underway with Quaid-i-Azam University to further expand the initiative.

Since enforcing a ban on plastic bags in Islamabad in 2019, Pak-EPA has confiscated over 1,550 kilograms of plastic and polythene bags in the fiscal year 2023-2024 alone.

Additionally, the agency issued 83 warning letters and imposed fines totaling 200,000 rupees on violators. These efforts have led many prominent businesses in Islamabad, including clothing brands and food outlets, to transition to sustainable alternatives such as paper and jute bags, eliminating approximately 890 tons of plastic waste annually.

However, challenges remain. Many smaller vendors, particularly on the outskirts of the capital, continue to use single-use plastics despite regulations. Environmental experts warn that the harmful effects of plastic far outweigh its benefits.

Dr. Ansar Rajput, CEO of Zero Plastic and professor at COMSATS University, cautioned that improper plastic disposal leads to blocked drainage systems and increases the risk of disease outbreaks.

To address these concerns, Pak-EPA has launched extensive public awareness campaigns through social media, billboards, and community engagement initiatives.

However, as Islamabad resident Muhammad Kashif Khan observed, while large brands have adopted sustainable alternatives, many small vendors remain unaware of the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics. He urged authorities to intensify education and enforcement efforts and implement stricter legal action to phase out plastic bags entirely.