ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Orientations Towards Urban Domestic Waste:
Messages for Urban Environmental Integrity
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Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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Department of Computer Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
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Department of Geography, Government Graduate College, Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
Submission date: 2024-04-04
Final revision date: 2024-05-27
Acceptance date: 2024-06-20
Online publication date: 2024-10-28
Corresponding author
Syed Atif Bokhari
Department of Geography, Government Graduate College, Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
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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, technologicalbased
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 contextbased
assessments. The assessments affirm that GIS-based spatial analysis techniques are dependable
for improvising measures to manage urban domestic waste.