Integrated waste management as a catalyst for livelihood enhancement in Punjab, Pakistan
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Abstract
Integrated Waste Management (IWM) plays a pivotal role in enhancing livelihoods in Punjab, Pakistan, by addressing both waste disposal issues and economic development opportunities. This study examines how IWM practices, such as community-based recycling programs, waste-to-energy projects, and the integration of informal waste pickers into formal systems, can create sustainable employment and improve living standards. Punjab, with its rapidly growing urban population, faces significant waste management challenges, which IWM strategies can help mitigate while fostering local economic growth. A system for collecting, recycling, reducing, and disposing of waste products generated by industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential land uses is described as Integrated Waste Management. Data was collected from the Scavengers and 180 scavengers was selected through snowball sampling technique. The collected data was processed through SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Findings reveal that Integrated Waste Management (IWM) in Punjab, Pakistan, offers a comprehensive solution to both environmental and socio-economic challenges. Through the implementation of community-based recycling programs, the formalization of informal waste sectors, and the promotion of waste-to-energy initiatives, IWM has the potential to significantly enhance livelihoods in the region. Overall, IWM serves as a crucial tool in addressing waste-related issues in Punjab, while simultaneously contributing to the creation of green jobs, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development in the province. To fully harness these benefits, continued investment in IWM infrastructure, community engagement, and policy support is essential. It is suggested that it is crucial to promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) that focus on the development of waste management infrastructure, such as Integrated Resource Recovery Centres (IRRCs) and waste-to-energy plants.