LAHORE: Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated all government and private educational institutions across the province to install colour-coded bins for waste segregation under its new ‘Smart Waste Management’ initiative. The order, signed by EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, is designed to promote recycling, safe disposal, and landfill reduction in line with Pakistan’s environmental commitments and Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the directive, every school must install clearly labelled bins at prominent locations to separate waste into five categories: paper (yellow), glass (green), organic and biodegradable waste (grey), metal (red) and plastic (orange). These bins must be maintained in a hygienic manner and emptied regularly to ensure proper waste management. EPA stated that this approach would help instil waste segregation habits among students, teachers and staff, contributing to a broader culture of sustainability in educational environments.
Institutions have also been advised to use the Punjab Waste Management Helpline 1139 for the collection and transportation of segregated waste. EPA field offices will conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance and monitor the implementation of awareness programmes for students and staff on proper waste handling. Schools meeting the criteria set by EPA will be issued a Smart Waste Management Compliance Certificate, which must be displayed prominently at the main gate to publicly demonstrate their adherence to the new regulations. This certification process is intended to recognise and encourage institutions that effectively implement the waste segregation system.
The directive has been issued under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and forms part of the province’s Climate Resilient Action Plan 2024. This plan prioritises waste segregation, recycling and institutional capacity-building to reduce environmental stress and improve resilience to climate-related challenges. By forwarding the order to all relevant government departments, district education authorities and private school associations, EPA has sought to ensure uniform implementation across Punjab’s educational sector. Through these measures, the agency aims to build awareness of environmental stewardship at the institutional level and support long-term waste reduction goals in the province.
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