Colored Waste Bins to Be Introduced in Punjab Schools

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a new initiative to modernise the waste management system in the province. Under the “Smart Waste Management Process”, both public and private educational institutions across Punjab will now be required to install five different coloured waste bins for proper garbage collection.

According to the provincial government, this project will initially be implemented in schools. Senior Minister for Environment and Climate Change Maryam Aurangzeb will oversee the programme, while Education Minister Rana Sikandar and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Malik have been assigned specific targets. Schools have been given until September 30 to install the bins, with inspections starting from October 1.

As per the official notification:

• Yellow bin: Paper and waste paper
• Green bin: Bottles, glass, and laboratory disposables
• Grey bin: Fruit peels, leftover food, and vegetables
• Red bin: Scrap iron and other metals
• Orange bin: Plastic waste

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will ensure implementation and conduct inspections. Institutions meeting the set standards will receive official certification from the EPA.

Additionally, a dedicated Punjab Waste Management helpline (1139) will allow schools to arrange garbage collection, while the Local Government and Community Development Department will assist in managing the coloured bins.

Officials say the system is designed to reduce waste, promote recycling, and encourage environmentally friendly practices in society.