In a major step towards environmental sustainability, the Punjab government has signed an innovative agreement to launch a plastic bottle buyback program in Lahore. Under this new initiative, citizens will be able to collect and return used plastic bottles in exchange for immediate cash rewards up to Rs. 1,000.
The scheme, which is being rolled out in collaboration with private sector partners and waste management authorities, aims to reduce plastic pollution by encouraging the public to participate in recycling efforts. According to the agreement, individuals can return a specified number of empty plastic bottles and receive up to Rs. 1,000 in return, depending on the volume they submit.
Officials state that this initiative will not only help clean up the city but also create a sense of shared responsibility among citizens. “The goal is to change people’s behavior and promote a culture of recycling,” said a representative from the Punjab government’s environment department. “Instead of throwing plastic away, now people can earn money by simply collecting and returning it.”
Collection points are being set up across Lahore in busy marketplaces, parks, schools, and housing societies to make it easier for people to participate. The project also aims to support low-income communities by giving them an opportunity to earn through responsible environmental action.
Environmental experts have welcomed the move, calling it a step in the right direction. Plastic waste, especially from disposable bottles, has been a growing problem in major urban centers across Pakistan. Lahore, being one of the largest cities, produces thousands of tons of plastic waste every month, much of which ends up in landfills or waterways.
This initiative is part of a broader clean environment campaign by the Punjab government, which includes stricter regulations on plastic use, awareness drives, and partnerships with recycling firms.
The program is expected to launch in full scale in the coming weeks, and authorities are optimistic about public participation. If successful, similar programs may be expanded to other cities across the province.
This initiative highlights how small actions like returning plastic bottles can lead to big changes for the environment and offer everyday citizens a chance to make a difference while earning some cash in the process.
