Without intervention, growing solar and EV waste could become an ecological and economic burden
- With Pakistan targeting 30% EV penetration by 2030—equating to 3 million EVs on the road—EV battery waste will rise significantly
- The transport sector remains one of the biggest contributors to pollution in Pakistan, yet there is no policy in place to regulate old and retired vehicles
Kashif Rehman | Khyber Pakhtunkhaw
As the world grapples with climate change and resource depletion, governments must implement policies that promote sustainability. In Pakistan, while renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) adoption are gaining momentum, the country lacks a comprehensive framework for managing outdated vehicles and electronic waste. Without urgent action, these challenges could turn into an environmental and economic crisis.
The transport sector remains one of the biggest contributors to pollution in Pakistan, yet there is no policy in place to regulate old and retired vehicles. A Vehicle Retirement Policy is essential to phase out high-emission vehicles that significantly contribute to air pollution and climate change. Replacing them with fuel-efficient or electric models can improve air quality and reduce carbon footprints while also enhancing road safety. Additionally, structured retirement programs promote recycling, repurposing valuable materials like metal and electronics, and minimizing waste. To complement this, EV policies must encourage the transition to cleaner transportation. Many countries offer incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure development to accelerate EV adoption. A strong EV sector not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also drives innovation and job creation in renewable energy and automotive industries.
In Pakistan, while renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) adoption are gaining momentum, the country lacks a comprehensive framework for managing outdated vehicles and electronic waste
However, cleaner technologies come with their own set of challenges, particularly in e-waste management. As technology evolves, electronic waste, including decommissioned EV batteries and solar panels, is accumulating at an alarming rate. Without proper management, these materials pose environmental hazards due to toxic components like lithium, cobalt, and lead. A well-defined national waste management policy is urgently needed to ensure safe recycling, resource recovery, and environmental protection. Pakistan’s solar capacity reached 3.5 GW in 2023, growing annually by 18%. By 2030, the country is expected to surpass 15 GW, generating over 250,000 metric tons of retired solar panels annually. These panels contain silicon, aluminum, glass, and hazardous metals that require specialized recycling. Similarly, with Pakistan targeting 30% EV penetration by 2030—equating to 3 million EVs on the road—EV battery waste will rise significantly. Since batteries last 8-10 years, the country could generate over 500,000 metric tons of lithium-ion battery waste by 2040. Without a clear recycling strategy, this could lead to a toxic waste crisis.
Without urgent action, the outdated vehicles could turn into an environmental and economic crisis
A well-designed recycling policy could unlock a $1 billion industry in Pakistan. Efficient recovery of lithium, cobalt, and silicon from discarded batteries and solar panels can reduce import dependence while fostering new industries. A single 20,000-ton lithium-ion battery recycling plant could recover 4,000 tons of lithium, easing reliance on foreign sources. Similarly, reclaiming silicon and aluminum from solar panels could lower local manufacturing costs by 15-20%. To establish a sustainable waste management system, key policy measures must be introduced. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) should require manufacturers of EVs and solar panels to reclaim and recycle their products at the end of their lifecycle. Investment in recycling infrastructure is crucial, with public-private partnerships playing a key role in developing dedicated recycling plants. Incentives for a circular economy, such as tax breaks and subsidies, can encourage businesses to invest in recycling. A clear regulatory framework must be set, with strict recycling targets to ensure compliance. Public awareness and training programs should be launched to build expertise in recycling processes, potentially creating over 10,000 green jobs.
Read: Soaring e-waste affects the health of millions of children, WHO warns
Read: Pakistan’s transition to clean energy and electric mobility must be backed by a strong waste management strategy. Without intervention, growing solar and EV waste could become an ecological and economic burden. However, with a structured, forward-thinking approach, waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, ensuring that Pakistan’s green transition is truly sustainable. Now is the time to act—not just to adopt clean energy, but to ensure sustainability at every stage, from production to disposal.
Read: The Human Cost of Climate Change in Pakistan
_________________
Kashif Rehman is a development professional based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, possesses over 20 years of extensive experience in designing, managing, and implementing development programs and humanitarian response initiatives. His expertise encompasses climate change adaptation, community mobilization, and gender mainstreaming, with a strong focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive development. He can be reached at Zahoor.kashif@gmail.com
