The state of household waste recycling in Lahore city, Pakistan with a population of 7.2 million was analyzed. Data on solid waste
recycling were gathered from residents of low-, middle- and high-income groups, as well as from scavengers and junkshops. The recycling
activities in Lahore exert a signiWcant impact on resource conservation, creation of jobs, provision of economic opportunity and reduction
in the magnitude of waste disposal problems. A cost analysis is presented to show the income that can be generated through a wellplanned
recycling program. It is shown that 21.2% of all recyclable waste in Lahore is recycled, and it generates an amount of Rs.
271million (US$4.5million) per year through the informal sector. However, if the recycling practice is owned by the formal sector, it can
save an amount of Rs. 65million by reducing the collection cost. If recycling is adopted as an industry, it can generate revenues of Rs.
530million (US$8.8million) per year and can also save enormous amount of energy, as well as the natural resources.
© 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.