A symposium on Step Forwards Zero Waste showcasing Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) held at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi on November 15, 2016.

The event was organized in Collaboration with Akhat Hameed Memorial Trust and PMAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad was the chief guest on the occasion.MD, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) Irfan Ahmad Qureshi, Program Manager (AHMT), PMAS-AAUR Deans, Directors, faculty members and large numbers of students were also present to attend the symposium.

While sharing his views, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad said that the beneficial use of garbage can produce fertilizer & energy and this can also be a source of earning. We can also avoid countering the problems due to dirtiness this way and also the emerging diseases, he added. The Vice Chancellor said that the University is already working with RWMC and the Trust to make the beneficial usage of garbage. He said the University will also guide the other institutes, departments with reference to get benefit from the waste and to eliminate the problem of garbage. 

He also informed the gathering that PMAS-AAUR has already established a Solid Waste Management Station and this station is producing fertilizer, gas and electricity. He said that PMAS-AAUR would cooperate its maximum to implement it in Pakistan so that country can get rid of energy problem. He said that we have to come forward to solve our problems and there is no need to get help from other nations or countries.

Irfan Ahmad Qureshi, MD, RWMC said that it is true that we have not taken any step to eliminate the waste. We only could collect the garbage from the city and dump it outside the city. We are considering to utilize the garbage beneficially and soon will announce a plan of action in this regard, he added.

Sumera Gull , Program Manager, AHMT  gave a briefing on their IRRC project about beneficial usage of the waste. She informed the gathering that about 80% waste, coming out of homes is useable which can produce fertilizer and energy. It can also avoid infectious and new emerging diseases. She also informed that soon AHMT establishing a department to make waste and garbage useable in collaboration with the PMAS-AAUR and RWMC.