A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Marine Plastics Abatement

Research studies project report (M.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2022

This study is focussed on the assessment of environmental and social impacts of plastic recycling industries in Pakistan. Three stakeholders, i.e., plastic recyclers, government officials, and informal waste collectors were included in this study. The existing situation of plastic recycling industries is evaluated through field visits and interviews of individuals associated with this industrial sector. In addition to these interviews, existing reports and published documents on plastic waste production and management were also used. Three different checklists/ questionnaires were prepared separately for every stakeholder. Several environmental and social impact indicators were identified through several available case studies. Questionnaire prepared for plastic recycler typically included questions related to the processes used in this industry, consumption of water, production of wastewater, temperature, and level of noise near workstation etc. For interviewing the informal waste collectors, questions related to their issues, and types of plastic wastes recycled were included. Questionnaire for interviewing the government officials included questions related to the steps taken by the government related to the plastic waste management, and future research were included. Plastic recyclers are extracting excessive amount of groundwater and the resulting wastewater is released into community sewer. The temperature and noise level were exceeding the permissible limits. Moreover, recyclers have no standard procedures for the processes involved in their industries. Rather they are operating on hit and trial basis. There is a need of putting a collaborative effort to uplift plastic recycling industry to a better position in Pakistan.