Lahore has taken a major step toward sustainable urban living by introducing a Green Credit System that rewards citizens for recycling plastic waste. This innovative initiative allows residents to deposit used plastic bottles into smart vending machines and receive financial credit in return.
The program is a collaborative effort between ISP Environmental Solutions and the Intratech Group, supported by funding from the World Bank. It falls under the Punjab Green Credit Program, which promotes eco-friendly behavior by offering monetary rewards for recyclable materials.
The system uses advanced reverse vending machine technology. Users simply insert empty plastic bottles into the machine, press Button A, enter their mobile number, and press Button B to see their earned green credit. The amount is displayed instantly and also synced with a mobile app, which helps users track their contributions. The app goes a step further by connecting citizens directly with over 18,000 registered scrap dealers (kabaris), enabling people to sell their plastic waste from home. This creates a direct and sustainable recycling supply chain and offers additional income opportunities.
To put it in perspective, 20 plastic bottles of 1.5 liters or 40 bottles of 0.5 liters equal one kilogram of plastic. For every kilogram recycled, users can earn up to PKR 1,000 in green credit. In the first phase, these smart vending machines are being installed in four private universities in Lahore, with plans to expand into public places, commercial areas, and residential zones. Each machine, built locally with advanced Chinese technology, costs around PKR 800,000 and can hold up to 25 kilograms of plastic waste. High-sensitivity weight sensors ensure only acceptable items are processed.
The initiative also includes the development of an eco-brick plant in Sundar Industrial Estate, which is expected to become operational by July 2025. Plastic collected through the vending machines will be transformed into eco-friendly bricks used for sidewalks, street repairs, and public infrastructure projects. This not only supports recycling but also adds long-term value to urban development.
Public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Citizens like Nida Zafar and Sarah Alamgir have praised the program, calling it a practical and impactful solution to the country’s plastic pollution crisis. The project not only provides short-term financial benefits but also fosters environmental responsibility. Residents are beginning to see plastic not as waste but as a valuable resource.
The Green Credit System aligns with Pakistan’s broader environmental goals by encouraging recycling, reducing pollution, and promoting responsible consumption. With plans to expand across Lahore and eventually to other cities, the initiative is set to make recycling a regular civic practice. This model of sustainable development demonstrates how environmental action, technological innovation, and economic incentives can come together to create cleaner, more responsible urban living.
