Will Islamabad’s two-bin, Three-Bin system solve waste woes?

News Desk

Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to roll out new bin models, stricter enforcement measures, and the engagement of international-standard service providers to enhance cleanliness across the federal capital.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, at CDA Headquarters on Friday. Senior officials from administration, engineering, planning, and environment wings, as well as directors of solid waste management, attended the session.

According to the briefing, Islamabad has been divided into two operational zones: one covering Sectors I, II, and III, and the other comprising rural areas in Zones IV and V. A two-bin waste collection system will be introduced in residential areas, while a three-bin system will be implemented in commercial centers and markets following a feasibility study.

Randhawa directed officials to expedite the bidding process for selecting waste management companies, stressing transparency and open competition. “The bidding must be merit-based and attract financially sound national and international firms to ensure high-quality services,” he said.

He further instructed that best practices from Punjab and other provinces be incorporated into Islamabad’s model and called for the introduction of fines for littering to ensure strict enforcement.

Additional measures approved include the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility for waste sorting, segregation of green waste at the wholesale vegetable market, and the creation of a central control room for real-time monitoring of the new system.

Randhawa underscored the urgency of swift implementation. “The citizens of Islamabad deserve a high-quality, optimal cleanliness and waste management system, and it is our responsibility to ensure this is delivered without delay,” he added.