Mapping of Open Burning of MSW in Pakistan & Identification of Underlying Factors & Key Drivers Workshop

The Circular Plastics Institute (CPI) at KSBL recently hosted a transformative workshop to share the findings of our project, Mapping of Open Burning of MSW in Pakistan & Identification of Underlying Factors & Key Drivers. Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Engineering X program and conducted in partnership with Engro Foundation, NED University, Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture, and COMSATS University Islamabad, the project focused on scientifically identifying hotspot areas in Karachi and Lahore. These hotspots- key locations where waste burning is most prevalent were analyzed to understand their environmental and health impacts, pollution transport trajectories, and the socio-economic factors contributing to open burning.

Key insights were shared with stakeholders on the urgent need to characterize these hotspots for data-driven decision-making. Discussions covered waste composition, climatological factors influencing emissions, and pollution variations across cities critical for assessing health impacts and designing targeted waste management interventions. The workshop underscored the intertwined issues of poverty, inadequate waste management services, and lack of awareness as primary drivers of open burning, while also highlighting socio-economic and technical hurdles within Karachi’s waste management system. Without addressing these underlying factors, open burning will continue to pose severe environmental and public health risks.

Waste mismanagement remains a global issue:

• 27% of collected waste worldwide is mismanaged and often disposed of through open burning.
• 7.9% of total municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries is openly burnt.
• In Pakistan, approximately 3,000 kilotons of plastic are consumed annually, yet only 20% is recycled.

To address these challenges, the workshop emphasized the need for comprehensive research on waste burning, identifying its sources, and understanding the motivations behind it. Discussions highlighted the critical role of the government in strengthening waste management systems, promoting behavior change, and ensuring accountability. Additionally, the workshop explored opportunities for low-income communities to benefit from improved waste management practices. As part of the session, participants engaged in a group activity to define the government’s role in addressing open burning, proposing policy measures, enforcement strategies, and ways to improve waste collection and community participation

Special thanks to Charlie Fenn and Dr. Mansoor from Engineering X, Royal Academy of Engineering for their invaluable insights, along with Dr. Imran from COMSATS University Islamabad, Dr. Suneela from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, and Shiza Aslam from CPI for their contributions. Together, we can pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for all.