Plastic pollution is becoming a rising challenge for Pakistan, with river Indus being one of the most (plastic litter) polluting rivers in the world. Bans on disposable plastics have been largely ineffective, and a lack of awareness and operational recycling facilities have exacerbated the issue. This study has assessed the current state of plastic waste management (PWM) in Pakistan, focusing on public awareness tools and stakeholder engagement in the country. The key stakeholders are identified as (i) the Government, (ii) Academia, (iii) Plastic Producers, (iv) Plastic Recyclers, (v) the Informal sector, and (vi) Consumers. Through semi-structured interviews and a power-interest analysis, this study has identified the roles and challenges of these stakeholders in managing plastic waste. Also, a change to the power-interest map is recommended. The recommended power-interest map emphasizes the critical role of the Pakistan government (provincial and national level), both in capacity building and policy enforcement, to support other stakeholders in their efforts toward an effective plastic waste management system. Finally, the need for increased public awareness, corporate responsibility, and the transition toward a circular economy is highlighted to address Pakistan’s plastic waste crisis.

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Situational Assessment of Plastic Waste Management in Pakistan: Insights from Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Lala Rukh,
  • Abdul Fatah,
  • Muhammad Mohsin Memon

摘要

Plastic pollution is becoming a rising challenge for Pakistan, with river Indus being one of the most (plastic litter) polluting rivers in the world. Bans on disposable plastics have been largely ineffective, and a lack of awareness and operational recycling facilities have exacerbated the issue. This study has assessed the current state of plastic waste management (PWM) in Pakistan, focusing on public awareness tools and stakeholder engagement in the country. The key stakeholders are identified as (i) the Government, (ii) Academia, (iii) Plastic Producers, (iv) Plastic Recyclers, (v) the Informal sector, and (vi) Consumers. Through semi-structured interviews and a power-interest analysis, this study has identified the roles and challenges of these stakeholders in managing plastic waste. Also, a change to the power-interest map is recommended. The recommended power-interest map emphasizes the critical role of the Pakistan government (provincial and national level), both in capacity building and policy enforcement, to support other stakeholders in their efforts toward an effective plastic waste management system. Finally, the need for increased public awareness, corporate responsibility, and the transition toward a circular economy is highlighted to address Pakistan’s plastic waste crisis.