WHAT IS SOLID WASTE? Solid waste includes residential, commercial , and institutional waste, which is non-hazardous, along with industrial and medical waste, which is hazardous ( Nathanson , 2020).
SSWMB Overview Implements waste collection and waste segregation initiatives to improve efficiency. M anages 12,000-15,000 tons of waste daily through collection, disposal, and recycling. Focuses on recycling, sustainability, and environmental safety. Aims for a cleaner Karachi through public awareness campaigns and innovative waste-to-energy projects .
SSWMB Overview Formation & Composition of SSWMB SWM interventions are required to be in alignment with the “Sindh Vision 2030” and Sindh Growth Strategy”. Solid waste generated in Karachi before 2014 was estimated to be around 9,000 to 10,000 tons per day. Till January 2014, Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC), District Municipal Councils, District Councils and local Union Councils were responsible for discharging the duty of solid waste management. Conventional and less effective methods of waste management were used by these bodies which could not cater to the booming population of Karachi, hence, arising the need of a better system.
SSWMB Overview Formation & Composition of SSWMB To handle this issue on modern lines, Government of Sindh passed an act on 10 February 2014 for the establishment of SSWMB. Functions of waste management operations were transferred to SSWMB from Councils through a Council Resolution under the provisions of Local Government Act 2013 and SSWMB Act 2021. Till date, functions of all Local Councils of Karachi, Hyderabad , Larkana , Sukkur, Kotri and Rohri have been transferred to SSWMB. SSWMB is mandated to: “Ensure efficient and modernized garbage collection & disposal system through outsourcing its municipal functions.”
SSWMB Overview Tiers of Solid Waste Management There are three ( 03) tiers of Solid Waste Management practiced in the world ; Front End Collection Primary Collection / Door To Door Collection Garbage Transfer Stations (GTS) / Middle End Collection (Secondary Collection) Landfill Site Collection & Management
SSWMB Overview Mechanism of Garbage Lifting
Vehicle Type Capacity Purpose Mini Tippers 1.0 Cu. M Collection from narrow streets and lanes in residential areas Mini Tippers 2.0 Cu. M Collection from residential areas, transporting waste to larger transfer stations Arm Roll Truck 5.0 Cu. M Lifting and transporting large waste containers Garbage Compactor Truck 7 Cu. M Door-to-door waste collection from planned residential areas Garbage Compactor Truck 13 Cu. M Collection from commercial areas and institutions Garbage Compactor Truck 25 Cu. M Transporting waste from waste transfer stations (WTS) to landfill sites Dump Trucks 10-25 Tons Bulk waste collection (construction debris, industrial waste) Front-End Tractor Loader - Handling heavy and bulky waste for transfer into dump trucks Tractor Trolley - Waste collection from open collection points and communal bins Suzuki Pickups - Collection from small commercial areas and streets Mechanical Sweeping Vehicle 8000 Liters Water Street cleaning and dust suppression Water Bowzer 5000 Liters Water Washing roads and waste transfer stations Vehicles
Interns We 15 members divided into 3 districts The objective was to analyze waste collection processes, assess recycling feasibility, and identify areas for improvement in waste disposal systems . District East District Central District Malir M.Tabish Ali Hussain Ahmed Hammad Shahid Afifa Naeem Iqra Iqbal Fatimah Amir Saad Mujahid Imtiaz Ali Javeria Ahmed Eisha Siddiqui Amna Kamran Umaima Nadeem Maryam Kham Syeda Sani E Zehra Eesha Shehzad
Interns S.No Activities 1 Door to Door Collection 2 Commercial Waste Collection 3 Bulk Waste Collection 4 Industrial Waste Collection 5 Understanding GTS Operations 6 Understanding Controlled Landfill Operations Field Visits
DISTRICT EAST
District East Population The population of District East, Karachi, as per the 2023 census, is 4,032,950 . Per Capita Waste Generation in District East 2,420 tons per day . Per Capita Waste Generation in District East 0.6 kg per person per day . Demographics
Areas Visited Junaijo Town Azam Basti Manzoor Colony Mehmoodabad Dhoraji Mosmiyat Safoora Sohrab Goth Gulistan e Johar Block 6 Kamran Chowrangi KDA Phase 2
Observations & Issues Identified Door-to-Door (D2D) Collection Issues D2D collection is not implemented in all areas.( e.g : J unaijo town, S afoora , Azam basti , Mosamiyat ) Many residents reported that waste collection does not take place on their streets. Waste Collection Issues Bins overflow quickly, especially in residential areas ( e.g : Junaijo Town, Manzoor Colony, Azam Basti). Mini trucks not covered with nets, causing waste spillage. The side of the arm rollers remained uncleaned. Apartment waste is dumped on footpaths due to lack of a proper collection system . Commercial Waste Management Most commercial areas are self-managed by shopkeepers or private collectors. The bins in the commercial area were in poor condition (wheels were broken) , and the garbage was also spilling out . ( e.g : Dhoraji )
Apartment waste is dumped on footpaths due to lack of a proper collection system. The bins in the commercial area were in poor condition (wheels were broken) , and the garbage was also spilling out .
Observations & Issues Identified Bulk Waste (Construction & Green Waste) Workers refuse to collect bulk waste due to salary deductions. Reason: Bulk waste reduces overall waste weight at the GTS, affecting their performance-based salaries. Industrial Waste Collection Industrial waste is not collected by SSWMB, creating illegal dumping issues . Workers' Conditions No uniforms, gloves, or masks provided to workers. Manual sweepers collecting waste using wooden cartons instead of proper tools.
Industrial waste is not collected by SSWMB, creating illegal dumping issues. Absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, masks, boots).
DISTRICT CENTRAL
District Central Population The population of District Central, Karachi, as per the 2023 census, is 3,822,325 Per Capita Waste Generation in District Central 2,950 – 3,400 tons per day. Per Capita Waste Generation in District Central 0.6 - 0.65 kg per person per day . Demographics
Areas Visited Gulberg Town: Block 16 Federal B Area Block 13 Federal B Area Block 10 Federal B Area Waterpump Chowrangi and the commercial markets in its proximity Federal B Area (Visit of the industrial area located near Shafiq Morr ) Liaquatabad Town: Furniture Market and its proximity areas Nirala Sweets (Dak Khana) (commercial markets) Nazimabad Town: Qasba Colony (locally known as Kati Pahari) Pahar Ganj North Nazimabad Town: Block F Block B Block C
Observations & Issues Identified Work Environment Liaquatabad and Gulberg Needed: 2,200 employees, yet only 1,700 are present. Daily earnings from Rs. 500. Absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, masks, boots). No organized safety training offered. North Nazimabad 83 employees designated (lack of labor). Daily earnings: Rs. 400. Employees working 23-hour shifts, surpassing the intended 8-hour duration Waste Gathering & Transport Liaquatabad and Gulberg: Daily waste collection: 2,400 – 2,600 tons. Total vehicles in operation: 415, comprising 341 mini-tippers, 95 compactors, and 50 bulk trucks. Business hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Landfill transport: Every vehicle hauls 18 tons daily. North Nazimabad: Daily garbage collection: 550 – 800 tons. Active vehicles: 94 vehicles (including Forland Trucks) plus 10 Rickshaws. New machinery: LDP devices (Scarce in quantity but debuting in Pakistan). Surveillance: Every vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking.
Absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, masks, boots ). Tray compactor collecting waste from commercial area.
Observations & Issues Identified Methods of Waste Collection & Separation Liaquatabad and Gulberg Three " Kachra Kundis " (TDP’s, waste collection sites) are functioning. Household-level waste sorting (performed by scavengers). Collection from door to door not completely executed. Backstreets are supposed to be cleaned monthly, yet the state indicates the opposite. North Nazimabad Complete door-to-door collection in Block-F, UC-08 Al-Falah. LDP devices launched to enhance waste collection efficiency. Issues with Infrastructure and Coordination Discrepancy between expected and actual workforce and vehicle availability. Insufficient communication between management and on-site personnel. Insufficient number of vehicles, especially for coverage of inner streets. A complaint management system is in place, yet it is not effective.
On TDPs scavangers are collecting valuable materials from the waste collected. Backside of the streets are not sweeped by the workforce.
Observations & Issues Identified Gulberg Town (Affluent/Upper-Class Neighborhood) Most inhabitants are part of the elite or upper-upper class. Elevated awareness concerning appropriate waste management. Residents regularly utilize trash bins and maintain clean streets. Roads are typically clear of litter, demonstrating a high level of accountability. Diverse reactions concerning SSWMB services: Certain inhabitants lauded the regular garbage pickup, street cleaning, and mopping. Some noted that services were offered two or three times weekly. Some expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that only trash was picked up, while the roads remained uncleaned. North Nazimabad Town (Blocks A and B – Upper-Middle-Class Region) Residents recognized and valued the services provided by SSWMB. Numerous lauded: Daily waste collection. Tidiness and routine road sweeping. Certain recognized services were not consistently provided every day, but rather two or three times weekly. In general, residents were pleased with the services provided by SSWMB.
Observations & Issues Identified Gulberg Town Industrial Zone Employees voiced considerable discontent with the services provided by SSWMB. Key complaints included: No collection of garbage or bulk waste from the industrial zone. No vehicles sent for garbage collection. The adjacent streets were not washed or scrubbed. SSWMB does not offer these services in industrial areas. Issues Encountered by SSWMB in Gulberg Town Residents not following scheduled waste collection times. Management needed to make several trips, leading to inefficiencies. Debris was spread across the entire area. Liaquatabad and Nazimabad (Typical and Middle-Income Areas) Unsatisfactory sanitation conditions noted in lower and middle-income areas. Side streets crowded with unofficial trash disposal areas. In spite of SSWMB's cleanup initiatives, residents kept throwing waste in prohibited areas. Resource allocation was greater in Gulberg (Block 13), especially in the residential area of the DC.
Main Concerns Recognized Workforce Shortage and Unsatisfactory Working Conditions Liaquatabad and Gulberg are lacking 500 workers. Intense overworking (23-hour shifts) in North Nazimabad. In certain regions, low pay rates (Rs. 400-500 per day. Insufficient PPE and safety training. Disparities in Waste Management Services Superior services in affluent neighborhoods (e.g., Gulberg) compared to middle-class and industrial zones. Regular garbage collection and cleaning occur in affluent neighborhoods, whereas underserved areas experience inconsistent or inadequate services. Greater resources allocated in DC's residential area (Gulberg Block 13) compared to regions with increased waste accumulation. Insufficient Services in Industrial Zones No collection of garbage or bulky waste in industrial areas. Lack of waste collection vehicles for industries. Dirty roads in industrial zones because of insufficient mopping and sweeping. Notable discontent among factory employees about SSWMB's disregard.
Main Concerns Recognized Irregular Service Intervals Certain regions have garbage collection every day, while others are serviced two or three times weekly. Absence of uniform service provision, resulting in varied resident responses. Ineffective Waste Collection Procedure Residents fail to follow scheduled collection times, requiring SSWMB to undertake several trips. This leads to the inefficient use of fuel, time, and resources, resulting in waste. Continuation of Unofficial Dumping Locations Lower and middle-class neighborhoods (Liaquatabad, Nazimabad) feature alleys cluttered with trash. Even with awareness initiatives, locals still dispose of waste in improper places. Insufficient enforcement or fines for unlawful dumping.
Main Concerns Recognized Insufficient Road Cleaning and Mopping in Certain Regions Certain residents in Gulberg expressed concerns that while garbage is picked up, the streets remain uncleaned. Industrial areas and certain middle-class neighborhoods lack adequate road cleaning and sweeping services. Lack of Awareness and Behavioral Problems Even with awareness initiatives, numerous people in low-income neighborhoods continue to dispose of waste incorrectly. Cultural and behavioral practices lead to poor waste management. Mismanagement of Debris and Construction Waste Dispersed litter debris noticed in Gulberg town. There is no specific plan for collecting or managing construction and debris waste.
DISTRICT MALIR
District Malir Population The population of District Malir , Karachi, as per the 2023 census, is 2,403,959 (2,215 people/km²) Per Capita Waste Generation in District Malir 1,342 tons/day Per Capita Waste Generation in District Malir 0.6 kg per person per day . Demographics
Areas Visited Jaffar Tayar (UC-11): High-density residential and commercial zones. Door-to-door, manual sweeping. Malir-15: Mixed-use area with narrow streets and bulk waste challenges. Temporary dumping area, mechanical sweeping and commercial waste.
Observations & Issues Identified Door-to-Door (DTD) Collection Operational Strengths Daily waste collection observed in Jaffar Tayar , with residents reporting satisfaction. 50 Mini tippers (1.5–2 Cu.M ) effectively navigated narrow streets. 35 Bins were placed as an alternative if collectors were not available. Gaps Identified No proper check-in balance on labour . Inconsistent Service: Neighbouring areas under the same zonal manager reported neglect. Bin Accessibility: Vendors avoided using bins due to distance, leading to waste pile-ups. Safety Gear: Manual sweepers lacked gloves, masks, and uniforms (observed in Malir-15). Commercial Waste Management Operational Strengths Metallic containers (0.8 Cu.M ) placed in high-traffic markets. Arm Roll Trucks efficiently transferred waste to GTS. Gaps Identified Shift Gaps: Commercial waste was generated throughout the day, but collection occurred only in the morning. Vendor Non-Compliance: Most vendors disposed of waste outside bins, citing accessibility issues. Machinery: Outdated vehicles were being used; the compactors make 3 to 4 trips in a day from TDA to GTS. If the vehicle breaks down it creates difficulties in the operation .
Observations & Issues Identified Bulk Waste Operations Operational Strengths Dedicated teams for cow dung collection in Landhi Zone (260 tons/day). Front-end loaders and dump trucks handled construction debris effectively. Gaps Identified Delayed Disposal: Bulk waste piles remained unattended for days in Malir-15 Resource Shortages: Limited dumpers for sudden spikes in waste volume, because they were not using their machinery because they don't have a tracker in their vehicles. Lacking Operations Worker Welfare: Daily-wage labourers paid below minimum wage (Rs. 450 vs. mandated Rs. 700). No medical facilities or insurance. Public Awareness: Residents unaware of complaint mechanisms or tax-funded services. Monitoring: GPS tracking is underutilised ; no independent audits for service consistency. Private collectors: they were also dumping in TDA making hurdles in the operation.
Site Visited: Sharafi Goth Garbage Transfer Station (GTS), Karachi Dated: 15 th Feb. 2025 Incharge: Saleem Ghumro Internship Field Visit
Condition Total Tonnage (Tons) District Malir Tonnage (Tons) Cantonment Area Tonnage (Tons) Normal Day 700–800 500–600 90–100 Eid Day 1600–1800 Up to 1500 150 on Mondays Waste Tonnage Summary Area Sends Waste to GTS Shah Faisal Town Yes District Malir Yes Korangi Yes Model Town Yes (Not Weighed) Malir Cantt No Cantonment Areas Yes Waste Sources
Parameter Details GTS Operation Time 24/7 Night Shifts Yes Staff Presence Managers and Directors on-site Truck ID Assignment Automated Weight Scanning Automated Net Weight Calculation Automated System Management Centralized by Head Office Coordination with TMCs Yes Vehicle Flow Approx. 70 dumpers/day Operations and Coordination Monitoring, Regulation, and Billing Issue/Violation Response/Regulation Uncovered Dumpers Penalties Applied Leaking Vehicles Penalties Applied Debris Inclusion (e.g. Gulshan/Bhains Colony) Photographs & Vehicle Number Recorded Weight Overload System Bills Only up to 28 Tons Suspicious Deliveries Videos Recorded by Staff
A municipal waste collection truck arriving at the garbage transfer station, where waste is weighed to record daily tonnage—ensuring accountability and tracking of solid waste volumes entering the facility. Heaps of unsorted municipal solid waste awaiting processing at the transfer station—highlighting the urgent need for accurate weighing and efficient material recovery systems to divert recyclable content.
Landfill Transfer and Environmental Policy Aspect Details Current Transfer Site LFS Jam Chakro Previous Practice Open Pit Dumping & Burning (Now Banned) Daily Trips to Landfill Approx. 40 Dumpers Operation Shift Night-Time Only Prohibited Practices No soil/debris allowed (strict enforcement)
Site Visited: JAM CHAKRO LANDFILL SITE, KARACHI Dated: 17 th feb 2025 Incharge: Waheed Memon Internship Field Visit
Site Overview Attribute Details Site Name Jam Chakro Landfill Site Location Surjani Town Link Rd, Gadap Town, Karachi Area Covered 500+ acres Daily Waste Handled 8,000–9,000 tons Percentage of City’s Waste 65% Operational Insights Parameter Details Operational Hours 24/7 Staff per Shift 6–7 Vehicle Types Compactors (6.5–7 tons), Dumpers (20–22 tons) Peak Hours Midnight High Load Day Monday (~150 tons) Weighing System Automated
Health and Environmental Hazards Waste Management Challenges Hazard Type Description Air Pollution Methane from decomposition Fire Risk Fires within waste heaps Direct Contact with Harmful Waste Exposure to chemicals Unusable Landfill Cells 2 of 8 cells damaged due to water Challenge Impact Excess Waste Generation Overwhelms landfills No Source Segregation Mixed waste dumped Unsupported Informal Sector Unsafe but essential recycling No Modern Treatment Facility Inefficient and hazardous disposal
Waste Types Received Category Examples Municipal General urban waste Commercial Shops/markets Household Residential waste Organic Food, manure Non-Biodegradable Plastic, glass, metal, etc. Informal Scavenging Summary Aspect Details Demographics Men, women, children (as young as 3) Income Avg. PKR 50,000/month Living Conditions Bamboo & cloth houses, no water/electricity Work Preference Prefer informal, independent work PPE Usage None - barefoot, exposed Government Support None
Informal waste pickers, including children, scavenge through freshly dumped garbage from a municipal truck—highlighting the lack of safety regulations, child labor concerns, and direct exposure to toxic materials. Mountains of decomposing waste at the landfill site release harmful gases and leachate—contributing to air pollution, groundwater contamination, and long-term ecological degradation. A view of the informal settlement where scavengers reside near the landfill site—living in hazardous proximity to waste heaps, without access to basic services, and constantly exposed to environmental and health risks.
Site Visited: Haryali Hub, Karachi Dated: 21 st feb 2025 Internship Field Visit
90 tons/month from UC managed & local sources. Weighing & Dumping Valuable (25%) Residual (75%) Plastics, Metals, Papers, etc. Recyclables sent to factories Residual to landfills Organic Waste Processing Waste Management Completed WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY PROCESS
Market Rates for Recyclable Materials Plastic: Rs.25 /kg Silver (possibly aluminum or other metals): Rs.75/Kg Other mixed materials: Rs.85 /kg Operational Costs Annual Rent: Rs. 6,000 Miscellaneous Expenses: Rs. 10,000 Water Costs: Rs. 6,000 Labour Costs: Rs. 32,000 per month (per laborer) Total Estimated Monthly Costs: Rs. 8-10 lakh Revenue Estimation Rate: Rs. 22,500 per ton Monthly revenue: Rs. 6,75,000 (based on 30 tons per month) Waste Management Processing and Economics:
Waste Collection and Input Average daily waste collection: 3 tons Sources of waste: UC 22 , 24, 3, 15 Managed Total monthly waste collection: 90 tons Facility Operations Shift timings: 9 AM - 6 PM Labour : 7 Regular Staff (Admin, Manager): 6 Security Guard : 2 Watchman : 1 Total staff: 13 Waste Characteristics Valuable waste: 25% (22.5 tons/month) Residual waste: 75% Composting Process Layering of waste Monitoring of reactivity Transfer to new layer once non-reactive Sorting and Categorization Initial sorting: separation of valuable and residual waste Further sorting: categorization into specific categories (e.g. metals, tetra packs) Examples of categories : Metals: silver, aluminum, metal Tetra packs: juice boxes, milk boxes Waste Management Facility Overview
The waste segregation section at Haryali Hub, where discarded items like prayer beads, cosmetics, and miscellaneous materials are sorted manually—reflecting the hub’s commitment to recovering usable items from municipal waste. Collected footwear and rubber items at Haryali Hub awaiting sorting—demonstrating the process of identifying and retrieving recyclable or reusable materials from mixed solid waste. Neatly packed bags of compost or recovered material ready for distribution—showcasing Haryali Hub’s circular economy model that transforms waste into value-added products.
Recommendations & Way Forward 1. Formalization of the Informal Sector Introduce structured recycling programs that integrate informal pickers with fair wages, training, and safety protocols. Offer pickers the option to work in regulated material recovery facilities (MRFs ). 2. Health & Safety Measures Distribute PPE kits (gloves, boots, masks, uniforms ). Conduct regular medical checkups and create on-site first-aid units .
Recommendations & Way Forward 3. Infrastructure Upgrades: Invest in waste-to-energy technology to reduce load on landfills. Implement scientific cell management and leachate systems. Expand green waste processing zones as allocated by SWEEP. 4. Public Education & Community Awareness Promote waste segregation at source via educational campaigns. Encourage community participation in zero-waste and green waste initiatives.