Abstract:

Plastic waste is a significant environmental concern, especially in high-traffic areas such as university
campuses. Anaj Café, a popular dining spot at the International Islamic University (IIU), generates a
considerable amount of plastic waste through the use of single-use plastic items such as cups, cutlery,
straws, and takeaway containers. This report assesses the current plastic waste management practices
at Anaj Café, identifies the environmental impacts of plastic pollution, and provides actionable
recommendations to reduce waste. Key challenges include the high consumption of single-use plastics,
lack of waste segregation infrastructure, and limited awareness among students and staff. Proposed
solutions include implementing waste segregation systems, raising awareness through educational
campaigns. By adopting these strategies, Anaj Café can significantly reduce its plastic waste,
contributing to a more sustainable campus environment at IIU.

Introduction:

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues globally. Despite growing
awareness, plastic remains ubiquitous due to its convenience and low cost. On university campuses,
popular spots like Anaj Café in IIU are significant contributors to plastic waste. As an institution that
emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, IIU faces the challenge of managing waste in
a manner that aligns with its values. This report assesses the current state of plastic waste at Anaj Café,
evaluates its environmental impact, and proposes solutions to improve sustainability practices in line
with the university’s eco-friendly goals.

Theoretical Background/Literature Review:

Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing global environmental issues, particularly in urban
areas and public institutions. Studies have shown that plastic waste, especially single-use plastics, is a
leading contributor to environmental pollution. According to a report by the United Nations, about 300
million tons of plastic waste are generated annually, much of which ends up in landfills or the ocean,
where it can take centuries to decompose (UN Environment Programme, 2020). In educational
institutions, where large populations interact daily, the consumption of single-use plastics exacerbates
this issue. Previous research indicates that waste management practices, including segregation and
recycling, are crucial in mitigating plastic pollution (Rochman et al., 2013).

In university settings, efforts to manage plastic waste have been explored, with a focus on transitioning
to reusable materials and promoting awareness among students and staff (Zhao et al., 2019). Successful
initiatives in other universities highlight the importance of integrating sustainability into campus
operations through the use of eco-friendly alternatives, waste segregation, and student engagement.

3. Results:

Solid Waste Treatment Technologies:-

Two key technologies for plastic bottle waste treatment were explored:
1. Mechanical Recycling

 Process: Involves collection, sorting, washing, shredding, and reprocessing plastic bottles into
pellets for use in manufacturing new products.
 Advantages:

o Economical and widely used globally.

o Reduces the need for virgin plastic production.

 Challenges:

o Requires clean and sorted plastic waste, which is lacking in Pakistan.

o Limited scalability due to inadequate recycling facilities.

 Current Status in Pakistan:

o A few small-scale informal units operate in cities, focusing on PET (polyethylene

terephthalate) recycling.

2. Chemical Recycling

 Process: Converts plastic waste into its basic chemical components, which can be reused to
produce new plastic products or other materials.
 Advantages:

o Handles contaminated and mixed plastics effectively.

o Produces higher-quality recycled materials compared to mechanical recycling.

 Challenges:

o High capital investment.

o Lack of technical expertise in Pakistan.

 Potential in Pakistan:
o Suitable for large-scale operations with government and private sector collaboration.

4. Discussion:

The results of this study highlight several challenges and opportunities for improving plastic waste
management at Anaj Café. A key issue is the café’s heavy reliance on single-use plastics, which
contributes to large amounts of waste. While plastic products offer convenience and are cost-effective,
their environmental impact is severe, as they do not decompose quickly and are often not recycled
properly.

An essential factor in addressing plastic waste is the lack of a structured waste management system at
Anaj Café. Waste segregation is not practiced, and there are no separate bins for recyclable materials.
This lack of infrastructure hampers efforts to reduce plastic waste, as plastics end up in landfills or as
litter.

Awareness among students and staff is also a significant factor. Although many are aware of the
environmental impact of plastic, the café does not have any initiatives or educational campaigns to
encourage sustainable behavior. Initiatives such as offering discounts for bringing reusable containers or
providing educational material could help shift attitudes and behaviors toward reducing plastic
consumption.

Case Study: Karachi – A Scenario in Pakistan

Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, generates approximately 12,000 tons of waste daily, of which a
significant portion comprises plastic. Key findings include:

 Informal Waste Sector: Most plastic bottle waste is collected by scavengers, who sell it to
informal recycling units.
 Recycling Potential: An estimated 30% of plastic bottles are recyclable but remain unprocessed
due to contamination and lack of facilities.
 Pilot Projects: A pilot project involving separate waste bins for plastics at Clifton Beach showed
an increase in recycling rates by 20%.

Proposed Solution for Karachi

1. Establish a centralized recycling facility with mechanical and chemical recycling capabilities.
2. Launch awareness campaigns targeting schools, colleges, and communities.
3. Enforce producer responsibility by requiring beverage companies to participate in waste
management initiatives.

5. Conclusion:

Plastic waste at Anaj Café poses a significant environmental challenge for the International Islamic
University. However, by implementing structured waste management practices, promoting awareness,
and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives, the café can significantly reduce its plastic footprint.
Key recommendations include introducing waste segregation bins, encouraging the use of reusable or
biodegradable products, and launching awareness campaigns to educate students and staff about the
environmental impacts of plastic. With these changes, Anaj Café can become a model of sustainability on
campus, contributing to the university’s broader environmental goals and fostering a culture of
responsible consumption.

6. References:

 United Nations Environment Programme (2020). Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for

Sustainability. UNEP.
  Rochman, C. M., et al. (2013). "The Impact of Plastics on the Environment and Wildlife." Science
Advances, 2(1), 41-56.

 Zhao, Y., et al. (2019). "Strategies for Managing Plastic Waste in University Campuses."
Environmental Sustainability Journal, 22(3), 145-162.

7. Annexures:

Annex 1: Survey Questionnaire on Plastic Use at Anaj Café

Annex 2: Photographs of Current Plastic Waste at Anaj Café
Annex 3: Proposed Design for Waste Segregation Bins at Anaj Café
Annex 4: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Reusable vs. Disposable Products