WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SINGLE-USE PLASTIC REDUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF ISLAMABAD: EVIDENCE FROM PRACTICE, PRIORITIES AND SDG PATHWAY MAPPING

Abstract

Schools are high-frequency waste-generation settings where daily routines, canteen operations, and segregation infrastructure determine whether “zero-waste culture” becomes practice rather than messaging. In Pakistan’s federal-capital context, (Federal Directorate of Education) FDE institutions can serve as model sites for operationalizing responsible consumption routines aligned with SDG 12. This study assessed prevailing zero-waste practices in FDE schools and colleges in Islamabad and explored leaders’ strategy preferences for reducing single-use plastics, with cautious interpretation of SDG and climate pathways. A parallel mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data captured nine institutional practice indicators from 314 valid responses for the waste-management domain. Qualitative data comprised 20 semi-structured interviews with heads. The strands were examined individually and joined together by means of a combined display and storytelling weaving. The minimal individual paper use (97%), and awareness campaigns (87%) were frequently reported. The avoidance behavior bag-related was also not very weak (73% avoiding plastic bags; 79% promoting fabric bags). However, the practices related to the system dependence were inconsistent such as the use of different bins to key streams (50%), student sorting engagement (57%), and digital reading routines (45%). The most underperforming (25%), was canteen use of reusables. Interviews explained these gaps through vendor governance, procurement defaults, limited monitoring capacity, infrastructure shortfalls, and affordability constraints. FDE institutions demonstrate strong normative readiness, but deeper zero-waste operationalization requires canteen-focused governance and standardized segregation systems. SDG 12 alignment is strongest; broader SDG and climate implications should be treated as pathways contingent on implementation quality.