Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management Practices in Urban Centers of Pakistan: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Solid waste is a problem in almost every country, but developed countries handle and manage their waste efficiently and usefully. On the other hand, developing countries are still struggling to develop an appropriate mechanism for the collection, disposal, and treatment of solid waste. Consequently, poor practices result in the deterioration of water quality. Similarly, the situation is not good in Pakistan; heaps of household garbage on streets and roadsides are very common. In this study, literature from the past 10 years has been collected to evaluate solid waste management practices, composition of waste, and per capita waste generation in different cities of Pakistan. Meanwhile, problems are also highlighted that lead to the pollution of water resources. It has been found that drinking water quality in many cities has already deteriorated due to the seepage of leachate from landfills and dumping sites deep into the soil and making its way to groundwater. Secondly, the disposal of waste into surface water bodies has also created problems. To conclude, despite the presence of local environmental laws, rules, and regulations, an important component of the environment, i.e., water, is getting polluted continuously. Presently, it might not be a worse problem, but in the coming years, it could lead to an environmental and health disaster in Pakistan. It is recommended to adopt healthy and firm waste management practices in Pakistan as being followed by developed nations and, more importantly, strong implementation of laws to contain this major crisis.