Scrap Waste Collection: Economic Resource and Local Recycling Practices in Rawalpindi City

Abstract

Solid waste particularly consists of scrap waste and these scrap wastes are collected and then segregated for recycling and reusing from mixed waste. In Pakistan scrap waste are known as KABAD waste. Therefore the objectives of this study were to assess the economic activities associated with the collection of scrap waste as well as identify existing local recycling practices in Rawalpindi Cantonment area. Further the study under consideration was completed in one month. Moreover, the research study was qualitative in nature and used purposive sampling technique of non-probability sampling type and selected 6 scrap dealers as respondents for data collection. Hence data were collected through participant observation and conducting in-depth interviews of those, delve the dynamics of scrap waste collection. In addition Interviews were recorded with due permission of the respondents and transcribed in order to analyze the data for the generation of various themes. The finding of the study categorized into two major themes creation of job market and local re-usage and recycling practices of scrap waste. It was found that collection of scrap waste create opportunities for those who are illiterate and unemployed as many people are working in the collection, sorting, processing, transporting the scrap waste and earned livelihood from it. Further metal scraps particularly aluminum gives them more income as compared to the other scrap waste. Likewise in terms of re-usage and recycling glass, paper, plastic, metals and rubber tires are the waste that recycled at local level and effectively used for other useful purpose. Therefore, the research study highlights the importance of scrap waste and the economic activities linked with it.