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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT EN-526

CURRENT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF

LAHORE,BEIJING, AMSTERDAM (NETHERLAND),VANCOUVER

NAME : TAYYABA
ROLL NO :EN-08/2022-23
SUBMITTED TO : DR ABDUL GHAFFAR
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ABSTRACT

In this review paper, solid waste management practices of four different cities over the
world have been studied. The data used in this review paper is taken from the secondary
source.

INTRODUCTION

Solid waste management is the most challenging task to address in densely populated
cities. In this review study, we will evaluate the solid waste management practices of
various cities, including Lahore, Beijing, Vancouver, and Amsterdam. Lahore is Pakistan's
second largest city after Karachi, and the world's 26th largest, with a population of more
than 13 million. Beijing traditionally romanized as Peking, is China's capital. With almost
22 million people, it is the world's most populated national capital city. Vancouver is a
significant city in Western Canada, namely the Lower Mainland region of British
Columbia. The most populous city in the province Amsterdam, the Netherlands' city, is
well-known for its architectural legacy and gorgeous canals.

WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN LAHORE

OVERVIEW OF WASTE GENERATION

According to studies, Lahore generates around 7,000 tons of waste daily, primarily from
households, industries, and commercial activities.The composition is dominated by
organic waste, followed by plastic, paper, and textile waste.The informal sector plays a
significant role, with waste pickers salvaging approximately 40% of recyclable
materials.Waste management in Lahore contributes to pollution, impacting water quality,
air quality, and overall public health.Health risks increase with the accumulation of waste,
especially in low-income areas where collection frequency is lower.[1]

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WASTE CHARACTERIZATION OF LAHORE

EXISTING WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN LAHORE

MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT (LED BY LAHORE WASTE MANAGEMENT)

LWMC, established in 2011, outsourced its solid waste management (SWM) operations
to Turkish firms initially, resulting in an increase in solid waste collection from 76% to 96%
between 2011 and 2018. [2]
Structure of LWMC and its role in waste collection, transportation, and disposal.Waste
collection rates, coverage area, frequency, and operational methods.Use of equipment,
such as waste collection vehicles, bins, and recycling stations, and their distribution
across the city.
LWMC should establish a project to record the realistic generation and collection of solid
waste per town, preferably via primary data collecting. Seasonal variations, geographical
dispersion, and character of locality (e.g., industrial, residential, etc.) should all be taken
into account when making these estimates. A database like this would enable LWMC
make informed decisions while also effectively monitoring SWM activities.
In November 2011, LWMC engaged two contractors (Ozpak and Albayrak) on a 7-year
contract totaling USD 320 million.

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LWMC (10 m3), OZPAK (0.76 m3), and Al-Bayrak (0.8 m3) all employ communal garbage
containers. The LWMC containers are the outdated system, which is being gradually
replaced by new containers manufactured by OZPAK and Al-Bayrak. The figures
demonstrate that there is not much improvement in terms of cleanliness of the container
sites due to the shift in containers. [1,2]

Fig 2 Bin or containers

ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND INFORMAL ECONOMY

Private companies' involvement in waste collection and recycling, typically on a contract

basis. Role of the informal sector, particularly waste pickers or “scavengers,” in sorting
and recycling materials from waste. The informal sector handles about 40% of recyclables
in Lahore.
Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
are converging their focus on waste management initiatives. Formal and informal
recycling systems in place, including small-scale recycling plants and scrap
dealers.Types of waste typically recycled: plastic, paper, glass, and metals.Challenges
such as contamination of recyclables, lack of segregation, and absence of incentives for
recycling.Community-led waste reduction programs in specific areas.Awareness
campaigns initiated by LWMC, NGOs, and educational institutions.[3]

WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN LAHORE

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Waste treatment facilities in Lahore are primarily managed by the Lahore Waste
Management Company (LWMC) and other private entities. Here is an overview of the
major types of waste treatment facilities available in Lahore:

LANDFILL SITES

MEHMOOD BOOTI LANDFILL SITE

Located in the northern part of Lahore, this site was one of the first landfills established
in the city. However, it is now nearly at capacity and poses environmental concerns, as it
lacks a modern lining system to prevent leachate contamination.

LAKHODAIR LANDFILL SITE

Operational since 2016, Lakhodair is a sanitary landfill managed by LWMC. It has a

modern liner system and leachate collection, making it relatively more environmentally
friendly. This landfill receives a significant portion of the city's solid waste.

COMPOSTING FACILITIES

LWMC runs composting facilities that turn organic waste, such as food and agricultural
leftovers, into compost. Although not widely used, composting operations in Lahore are
considered as a step toward waste reduction and organic fertilizer production.[4]

RECYCLING CENTERS

RECYCLING BY INFORMAL SECTOR

Lahore lacks a formal, large-scale recycling center; however, the informal sector is highly
active in sorting and recycling materials. Waste pickers collect recyclables, such as
plastics, paper, and metals, and sell them to scrap dealers who process the waste at
small recycling hubs.

WASTE-TO-ENERGY INITIATIVES

PROPOSED WASTE-TO-ENERGY PLANT

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Lahore has considered waste-to-energy (WTE) solutions to reduce landfill reliance and
generate energy from waste. The city has collaborated with private firms to assess the
feasibility of WTE plants, but currently, no large-scale WTE plant is operational in Lahore.

Fig 3 Waste to energy by LWMC

KEY CHALLENGES IN WASTE TREATMENT IN LAHORE

Limited sorting of waste at the household and commercial levels complicates treatment
processes.Landfills are overburdened, and recycling facilities are underdeveloped, which
leads to inefficient waste processing.Public awareness campaigns and community
involvement in waste segregation and recycling efforts are limited.Financial limitations
restrict the expansion of treatment facilities and the implementation of advanced waste
technologies.[4]

WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN BEIJING

INTRODUCTION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BEIJING

Beijing(capital of China), a metropolis with over 21 million residents, has implemented

comprehensive waste management strategies to address the challenges posed by its
substantial daily waste generation. These strategies encompass waste sorting
regulations, advanced treatment facilities, and public engagement initiatives. Beijing has
encountered major waste management issues as a result of increasing urbanization and

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population increase. To solve these difficulties, the city has established a comprehensive
waste management system that prioritizes garbage sorting, modern treatment facilities,
technological integration, and community involvement.

WASTE SORTING REGULATIONS

In 2020, Beijing enforced mandatory waste sorting regulations to reduce the amount of
waste sent to landfills and improve recycling rates. Households and businesses are
required to separate waste into four categories:

KITCHEN WASTE

Organic waste, including food scraps, that can be composted or processed into biogas.

RECYCLABLE WASTE

Materials like paper, plastics, metals, and glass that can be recycled.

DETRIMENTAL WASTE

Items like batteries, chemicals and electronics that require particular handling due to their
environmental impact.

OTHER WASTE

Residual waste that does not fit into the above categories, typically destined for
incineration or landfill.

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Fig 4. Waste workflow in Beijing,china

WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES

Beijing has invested heavily in developing advanced waste treatment facilities to handle
its waste responsibly. Key facilities include:

HUAI FANG WATER RECLAMATION PLANT

This is one of Asia's largest underground wastewater treatment facilities, using advanced
membrane bioreactor technology. It processes up to 200 million cubic meters of
wastewater annually, which is repurposed for industrial use or environmental projects,
such as wetland restoration.

CHAOYANG CIRCULAR ECONOMY INDUSTRIAL PARK

Located in Jinzhan Township, this facility serves as a model for the circular economy,
focusing on recycling and reprocessing waste. It integrates waste treatment with research
and educational functions, aiming to raise public awareness of sustainable practices.[5]

INCINERATION PLANTS

These plants help to reduce landfill garbage by turning it into energy. Beijing has
numerous waste-to-energy plants that burn non-recyclable garbage to produce power
and heat.

Together, these facilities form a comprehensive system for handling different types of
waste while minimizing environmental impact.

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Fig 5: Trends in Population, Gross Domestic Product, and Output of Domestic Waste in
Beijing [5]

DISPOSAL OF WASTE IN BEIJING

Beijing is producing a growing amount of MSW. Garbage removal and harmless disposal
have also increased annually to satisfy the demand for treatment.Beijing currently
disposes of waste in three safe ways: sanitary landfills, composting, and waste-to-energy.
These three waste treatment techniques have been industrialized after years of
development. • The goal of waste-to-energy is to reduce the amount of solid garbage
produced by municipalities and use the heat produced during combustion to produce
power. Nevertheless, this approach may result in secondary contamination and lower the
rate of waste usage. • After a lengthy period of physical, chemical, and biological effects,
solid waste is buried at a suitable location and covered with materials to allow it to return
to equilibrium. The process is easy: Composting entails combining a specific amount of
inorganic material with the organic waste. Microorganisms may break down organic waste
under regulated conditions, turning it into stable humus that can be applied to crops as
fertilizer.

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Fig 6: Weight Percentage of Three Disposal Methods in Beijing

WASTE-TO-ENERGY PLANTS IN BEIJING

Beijing today has 10 active waste-to-energy plants spread throughout nine districts, with
the majority located on the outside of the districts. The majority of waste-to-energy
facilities have been developed near existing landfill sites to extend their service life. In
addition to these ten facilities, there are other waste-to-energy projects now under
construction or planned.[6]

List of waste-to-energy plants in Beijing At the moment, the primary function of Beijing's
waste-to-energy sector is to reduce trash volume and expand the city's capacity for waste
treatment.

TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION

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Beijing has adopted various technological solutions to make its waste management
processes more efficient and accessible:

SMART WASTE COLLECTION BINS

Many communities now use bins equipped with facial recognition or other smart
technologies that allow authorities to track and encourage proper recycling habits among
residents.

MOBILE APPS FOR SORTING ASSISTANCE

Apps like Alipay have integrated tools that use augmented reality to help users correctly
identify and sort their waste, making it easier for residents to follow the regulations.

DATA-DRIVEN SYSTEMS

The city leverages data collected from these technologies to monitor waste patterns,
identify areas for improvement, and optimize waste collection routes.

These technological measures not only improve efficiency but also encourage citizen
participation by making it easier for residents to engage in proper waste disposal
practices.

CONCLUSION FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BEIJING

Economic development and high population density are the internal factors increasing waste
production in Beijing. With the continuous growth in municipal solid waste production, the
phenomenon of "garbage siege" has become increasingly serious. At the beginning of
the 21st century, more than 90% of Beijing's garbage was sent to landfill resulting in
pollution to the surrounding environment and groundwater systems.[5]

To enhance the efficiency of waste-to-energy (WTE) systems and maximize waste

resource utilization, Beijing must promote municipal solid waste (MSW) classification at
the source, ensuring separate collection and transportation. Sorting waste, particularly
reducing kitchen waste and recycling plastic, can increase the calorific value and reduce

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chlorine content, supporting stable WTE operations and minimizing pollutants like dioxins.
Additionally, developing a circular economy industrial park based on current WTE
facilities would allow for centralized waste treatment, integrating waste classification,
resource recovery, and disposal while conserving land and mitigating ecological impacts.
Establishing standards for public–private partnerships (PPP) in the WTE sector can
further promote sustainable growth by setting higher market entry barriers, reducing unfair
competition, and addressing environmental risks. At the national level, regulating WTE
price policies and implementing a carbon emissions trading system would offer financial
opportunities for WTE companies while contributing to China’s climate goals by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.[6]

WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AMSTERDAM

The collection of waste is difficult in Amsterdam, a city in the Netherlands with a booming
population of over 800,000. The historic Centrum neighborhood continues to rely on
curbside collection while people in the majority of the city's districts use underground
containers to dispose of their trash. As a result, trash trucks roar along roads that are too
ancient and inadequate for large cars, lining the streets near the UNESCO World Heritage
canals with waste bags.

COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE

Eight districts make up Amsterdam, one of which is a business district and the other seven
are neighborhoods. The collection services are public (from each district of the
municipality) and are organized independently by each of these seven districts for the
collection of residential waste. Since cost data is typically not gathered centrally, the need
that each district organize their own independent collection upholds a threshold for data
collection on costs. Only one district in Amsterdam has a dedicated door-to-door pickup
system for biowaste. Bring points are the primary distinct collection strategy. This method
of collection is used for paper/cardboard, glass, and plastic packaging; however, metal is
only collected at public facilities. The separate collection rate for Amsterdam's total
municipal garbage production is 14%, which is incredibly low and well below average for

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the nation. Every household is required to pay municipal service tax, which covers all
waste management services.[7]

DISPOSAL METHODS FOR RESIDENTS

You can dispose of the majority of trash at one of the city's waste collection locations,
including furniture, scrap metal, clothing, mattresses, electrical appliances, asbestos,
debris from building and demolition, soil, domestic chemical waste, and garden waste.
Commercial waste as well as significant amounts of hazardous or chemical waste won't
be accepted. If feasible, materials sent to the waste collection locations will be recycled.
Materials that cannot be recycled will be safely disposed of. Items that can be used again
can also be given. These things will be sold in thrift stores. Residents are not charged;
companies are charged. Residents of Amsterdam are welcome to dispose of rubbish for
free at one of the city's waste collection locations. Waste disposal is an expense for
businesses. The costs vary according to the kind and volume of trash involved.

Fig 7 Garbage truck in Amsterdam

2.1 BRINGING YOUR ID

Please bring a working ID with you because you could be requested to show it. You must
be able to demonstrate that you actually reside in Amsterdam if your identity document
was not issued by the City of Amsterdam.

2.2 PACKING FOR ASBESTOS

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Only asbestos that is sealed inside designated asbestos disposal bags or that has been
double-bagged in plastic is permitted at the garbage collection locations. The rubbish
collection locations provide free disposal bags for asbestos.

2.3 PER CAPITA WASTE GENERATION

Table shows the amount of waste per capita in Amsterdam in 2015.

WASTE TO ENERGY

Afval Energie Bedrijf (AEB), a waste-to-energy business that runs independently but is
owned by the City of Amsterdam, was established in 1992. The goal of AEB is to salvage
as much energy and material from municipal waste as possible while preserving the
environment. AEB started running a sizable incinerator on a site in the Westpoort
neighborhood of the city in 1993. This incinerator produces 525 GWh annually, which is
equivalent to a continuous capacity of around 64 MW, and has a 900,000 tonne trash and
sludge capacity.[8] Currently;

1. On a single site, AEB is the biggest waste-to-energy enterprise in the world.

2. AEB employs about 400 people.
3. The company consists of the Hazardous Waste Depot, the Waste-to-Energy Plant
(AEC), the Waste Fired Power Plant (HRC), and the Amsterdam Waste Points.

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4. Each year, they generate 1 million MWh of electricity, enough to power 320,000
homes.
5. Additionally, a lot of heat is produced—up to 600.000 gigajoules annually in recent
years. The hot water and central heating of Amsterdam homes are heated by this
heat through district heating.
6. Technology advancements are an element of the high efficiency waste fired power
plant's design. The plant's energetic efficiency, which is above 30% as a result of
these improvements, is by far the highest in the waste to energy conversion
industry.
7. The garbage that AEB receives is also harvested and used as a source of raw
materials. Before burning, valuable metals including iron, copper, and aluminum
are removed. The residual material is employed as fill while building roadways.
The flue gas is also used to extract products. These are employed by the asphalt
sector. Gypsum is additionally collected and used in buildings.
8. AEB Amsterdam produces sustainable energy and raw materials from 99% of the
1.4 million tonnes of municipal and industrial garbage that are delivered each year.
9. Because the plant simultaneously generates heat, power, and disposes of trash,
AEB has assisted in reducing CO2 emissions.

Fig 8 AEB emissions with the EPA standards.

AMSTERDAM SMART SYSTEM OF UNDERGROUND WASTE BINS

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The city planners of Amsterdam have created a brilliant system for handling domestic
waste. Most neighborhoods, in contrast, have a system of sidewalk bins that feed into
underground containers, allowing residents to dispose of their trash and recyclables (after
sorting them, of course) in a piecemeal manner. Only a small number of neighborhoods
use the traditional system, where trash is left in an outdoor bin to be picked up once a
week.Some of these trash cans on the sidewalks may feature RFID scanners, depending
on the neighborhood. Residents receive free RFID cards that they may use to unlock the
bins without using their hands, enabling them to dispose of waste. Other communities
don't require RFID cards.[9]

Fig 9 Underground waste bins

MINIMIZING LANDFILL

Only 1.5 to 2 million tonnes of garbage were landfilled annually in the Netherlands in
2013. That only accounts for 2% to 3% of the approximately 60 million tonnes of waste
produced annually. Landfills are used mostly for garbage for which there is no viable
alternative to recycling or incineration. 3 The Dutch government accomplished this by;

1. Beginning in 1995, landfill bans were gradually expanded to cover 64 waste kinds.
2. Implementing a landfill tax in 1996 and raising it over time until its abolition in
2012.Due to the high cost of disposal, this was a major factor in achieving the low
landfill rates. Due to the fact that the majority of waste was recycled or used for
energy recovery, the fee was abolished in 2012.

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3. Growing the quantity of recycling done in the Netherlands.

Fig 10 Landfill vs incineration in Amsterdam

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The doughnut economic model, which ensures that fundamental requirements are
satisfied for a high standard of living while respecting environmental constraints, was first
implemented in Amsterdam. By 2030, the City of Amsterdam wants to be entirely
emission-free, and by 2050, it wants to be completely circular. Amsterdam had the
greatest environmental regulations in all of Europe, according to the Schroders European
Sustainable Cities Index 2021, which was topped by the city. Sustainability permeates
every industry, from farming to banking. Trends are being set by the fashion sector as
well. The world's first museum and startup accelerator devoted to sustainable fashion,
Fashion for Good, is located in Amsterdam. By ensuring that new construction meets the
highest standards for energy and resource efficiency, the construction industry is also
reforming long-standing practices. Numerous locations, including hotels, use green
energy, have policies to minimize trash during events, offer culinary options that minimize
food miles, and use other environmentally friendly practices.

FUTURE OUTCOMES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Dutch government, as well as the city of Amsterdam, all operate programmes and
incentives to promote innovation in the circular economy. For instance, the Buiksloterham
neighborhood is home to the business van Plestik. They have developed a 3D printer that
can upcycle garbage into furniture and other items using mixed and impure plastics. This

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is a big accomplishment when you consider that traditional 3D printers require employing
plastic that must be polished back to almost pure "virgin" form. [10]

WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN VANCOUVER

Vancouver is the capital of Canada,Vancouver's waste management system is built

around sustainability and an ambitious goal to reduce waste sent to landfills significantly
by 2040.In 2020 and 2021 the delivery of Vancouver’s solid waste services and programs
was managed by the Zero Waste and Resource Recovery Division, organized into four
branches.In September 2021, two branches were added and the Division was re-named
Solid Waste Management and Green Operations (SWMGO).[11]

BRANCHES RESPONSIBILITIES

Solid Waste ● Creates policy, plans and programs, and manages major projects
Strategic Services supporting Transfer & Landfill Operations, Sanitation and other
groups while championing the City’s goal of maximizing waste
reduction and diversion
● Works closely with Metro Vancouver on long-range planning for
effective solid waste management in the region, and engages with
other levels of government on zero waste policy and regulation

Solid Waste ● Develops, operates, and improves solid waste related programs,
Programs including education, outreach, enforcement, on-street
infrastructure, grants, permits, contracts, and audits
● Provides technical, planning, implementation, data and analytics,
optimization, project management, and budgeting support to
Sanitation Services
● Provides technical support for street cleaning and collection
operations, and operates the Clean Streets program including
coordination of the Neighbourhood Cleanup Party, and inspection
and enforcement of illegal dumping and commercial container

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license and by-law requirements.

Sanitation Services ● Collects garbage and green bin material (food scraps and yard
trimmings), from single-family and a portion of multi-family
residential properties as a Solid Waste Utility service
● Provides street cleaning including sweeping, flushing, abandoned
item and litter collection from sidewalks, streets, and lanes, and
emptying of public litter and recycling receptacles in streets, parks
and beaches.
● Supports waste removal and cleanup at special events, snow
removal at night, and fall street leaf removal

Transfer & Landfill ● Operates the Vancouver Zero Waste Centre (VZWC - depot on
Operations Yukon Street), Vancouver South Transfer Station (VSTS - West
Kent Ave. North), and, Vancouver Landfill (VLF - in City of Delta)
including the management of various environmental protection
systems (flare station and storm water and leachate management
system), a yard trimming composting facility, and the Landfill Zero
Waste Centre (LFZWC)
● Vancouver Landfill is responsible for the management of municipal
solid waste from commercial and residential sources within Metro
Vancouver. The Vancouver Landfill manages approximately 70% of
municipal solid waste within the Metro Vancouver region

ZERO WASTE 2040 INITIATIVE[12]

GOAL

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Vancouver aims to become a zero-waste city by 2040. This is not just about reducing
landfill contributions but also about rethinking consumption patterns to minimize waste
creation at the source.

STRATEGIES

The city has developed the Zero Waste 2040 strategic plan, which focuses on resource
conservation, waste prevention, and waste diversion from disposal facilities. It
emphasizes shifting from a traditional waste management approach to a circular
economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Public awareness campaigns encourage residents to adopt sustainable habits like

reducing plastic use, opting for reusable items, and repairing items instead of disposing
of them. Programs in schools and communities promote zero-waste lifestyles.

Fig 11 Zero waste by 2040

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Fig 12 Progress towards zero waste

COLLECTIONS

The City provides all single-family and duplex homes (normally four units and less) with
green bins (food scraps and yard trimmings) and garbage collection on a five day, “skip-
a-day” (advance one day for holidays) schedule. Since 2013, green bins have been
collected weekly, and garbage bi-weekly. The majority of the collection service is fully
automated; however there is also a small portion of semi-automated collection. Carts for
garbage (black lid) are available in five sizes ranging from 75 to 360 liters. Green bins
(green lid) are available in four sizes, ranging from 120 to 360 liters. The cost of collection
is recovered by Solid Waste Utility fees charged to users of the system. Larger containers
are priced higher compared to smaller containers, resulting in variable container
subscription or ‘pay-as-you-throw’ systems.

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Fig 13 An Automated Collection Truck Collecting Garbage in Vancouver Lane

MAPPING AND GIS DATA UPGRADES

In 2021, with the help of the operational technology team, Sanitation was able to automate
the process of creating residential beat maps for automated residential collection. This
required a redesign of GIS data, consultation with all stakeholders such as truck drivers
and supervisors, and field data checks. In total, over 289 maps were updated, and there
are future plans to scale this system to include Semi-Automated truck maps and
Japanese Beetle maps.

COMPREHENSIVE RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING PROGRAMS

RECYCLING

Vancouver provides blue bins for recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and
metal. These bins are regularly collected from households, and the materials are
processed and repurposed. The city also runs drop-off depots for items not suitable for
curbside pickup, such as electronics and hazardous waste.

ORGANICS RECYCLING (GREEN BIN PROGRAM)

The green bin program allows residents to compost food scraps and yard waste. This
program has contributed significantly to diverting organic waste from landfills. The
compost produced is often used in local parks and agriculture.

WASTE SORTING RESOURCES

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Vancouver provides a waste-sorting app and online resources to help residents sort
waste correctly and identify which items go in which bins, reducing contamination in
recycling and compost streams.

FIg 14 Recycle BC Program Material Recovery Rates

METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL COLLABORATION

ROLE OF METRO VANCOUVER

As part of the Metro Vancouver regional district, the city coordinates with other
municipalities to streamline waste management practices. This includes a shared waste-
to-energy facility and centralized recycling and composting facilities.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Metro Vancouver oversees a long-term plan that sets targets for waste reduction and
diversion across the region. This collaborative approach allows cities to share resources,
technology, and best practices.

DISPOSAL FACILITIES: Metro Vancouver operates disposal and transfer stations,

where waste is managed, sorted, and redirected appropriately. These facilities also
support initiatives to recover resources from waste, further reducing landfill dependency.

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Fig 15 Waste management

TRANSFER, LANDFILL & ZERO WASTE CENTERS

The City’s solid waste operations include the Vancouver South Transfer Station,
Vancouver Landfill, and two Zero Waste Centres – one in Vancouver and the other at the
Vancouver Landfill in the City of Delta. These City of Vancouver owned and operated
facilities receive residential and commercial waste and recycling materials from
Vancouver and other communities in Metro Vancouver, and contribute to the Metro
Vancouver regional solid waste system. [13]

WASTE-TO-ENERGY INITIATIVES

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM WASTE

To further reduce landfill use, Metro Vancouver operates a waste-to-energy facility that
processes non-recyclable waste to generate electricity. This reduces the volume of waste
while producing a small amount of energy that goes back into the grid.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

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The city and region are exploring advanced waste-to-energy technologies to make waste
management even more sustainable. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of
waste incineration by capturing more energy and reducing emissions.

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE GOALS

WASTE REDUCTION TARGETS

Vancouver faces challenges in meeting its ambitious 2040 zero-waste goals. Ongoing
issues include contamination in recycling streams, illegal dumping, and the cost of
sustainable waste processing.

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING INITIATIVES

The city is working with businesses to encourage eco-friendly packaging. Initiatives

include banning certain single-use items and supporting the transition to compostable or
reusable packaging options.

POLICY AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES

Vancouver continually assesses its waste management policies and infrastructure to align
with emerging technologies, economic changes, and population growth.

Vancouver's approach to waste management is proactive and holistic, involving

collaboration with regional partners, extensive public education, and continuous
innovation. Through these efforts, the city aims to reduce its environmental footprint,
improve resource efficiency, and foster a sustainable community.[13]

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1. https://lgcd.punjab.gov.pk/lahore_waste_management_company.

2. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/2/983

3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264629066_An_assessment_of_the_cu

rrent_municipal_solid_waste_management_system_in_Lahore_Pakistan.

4. https://www.c40.org/case-studies/comprehensive-waste-management-in-beijing/.

5. https://www.wiego.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/Pla-Solid-Waste-

Management-China.pdf.

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6. https://www.eib.org/en/projects/all/20030496#:~:text=The%20construction%20of

%20an%20extension,results%20in%20a%20higher%20specific.

7. https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwirgKDcvcCJ

AxV6GgYAHe8cPCkYABABGgJ3cw&ae=2&aspm=1&co=1&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KC

Qjwvpy5BhDTARIsAHSilynumIeZEjTAcsKiDlfYotG7eM2Ngp0_tl3yYNJpsgneQj6t

IMN5CbIaAq4cEALw_wcB&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVeD2E4Wk.

8. https://www.core77.com/posts/102208/Amsterdams-Smart-System-of-

Underground-Garbage-Bins.

9. https://www.insidewaste.com.au/how-amsterdam-is-future-proofing-its-waste-

management/#:~:text=An%20Automatic%20Waste%20Collection%20System,wit

h%20non%2Dcorrosive%20pipe%20networks.

10. https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/waste-disposal-and-

recycling.aspx.

11. https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/waste-disposal-and-

recycling.aspx.

12. https://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/solid-waste-management-plan.

13. https://www.eib.org/en/projects/all/20030496#:~:text=The%20construction%20of

%20an%20extension,results%20in%20a%20higher%20specific.

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