Orientations Towards Urban Domestic Waste: Messages for Urban Environmental Integrity

Abstract

Developing countries are struggling with urban waste management. Focusing on Islamabad, Pakistan, cross-sectional data determines how contextual variants impact domestic waste management. The study deployed a multifaceted approach to assessments. Hence, waste-bin density is a reliable proxy variable for situational analysis. It emerged that the waste-bin density in Islamabad is asymmetrical. It formulates that some localities in Islamabad receive preferential treatment, which contradicts the principles of “parity” and “environmental justice.” The analysis entails synchronizing efforts based on the principle “ Polluters pay the price”. Likewise, it emerged that solid waste management in Islamabad inherently relies on landfills. This “Low-hanging fruit” option is not sustainable. Hence, technological-based solutions through market-driven measures seem more dependable. Messages in monetary terms are persuasive and automatically prioritize waste disposal options. Therefore, the study analysis analyzed the feedback from 305 respondents. The female representation was 36.4%, much lower than their due. A greater focus on capacity-building and female empowerment is required to reverse this trend. (96.4%) demanded integrated waste management, (41%) remain dissatisfied with the current arrangements, and (88.5%) believe that bad waste management depreciates property value. The assessments based on (Age, Gender, Education, Nature of employment, and Duration of stay) render that the respondents’ views significantly modified (p≤0.05%) with Age and Duration of stay. Resilient domestic waste management requires resource recovery mechanisms such as a “circular economy framework”. It seems a plausible option in countries like Pakistan, as it generates revenue. Urban residents prefer whatever is productive and cost-effective. It demands a paradigm shift in strategies through public participation and context-based assessments. The assessments affirm that GIS-based spatial analysis techniques are dependable for improvising measures to manage urban domestic waste.