Deportation of Afghan Refugees Cripples Pakistan's Recycling Industry

Environmentalists Warn of Further Environmental Degradation as Plastic Collection Drops by 43%

Since mid-September 2023, Pakistani authorities have deported around 20,000 Afghans to their war-ravaged home country, forcing out another 355,000 Afghans, according to Human Rights Watch.
The deportation of Afghan refugees, many of whom were involved in trash and scrap collection, has severely impacted the recycling industry in Pakistan.
Plastic collection has been down by 43% and production of polyester by 50% since the deportation of Afghan refugees began.
Environmentalists warn that Pakistan's weakening recycling industry could further aggravate environmental degradation, as the country has one of the highest percentages of mismanaged plastic in South Asia.
Experts predict severe labor shortages in the recycling industry in the coming months, as it will be difficult for Pakistani laborers to fill the vacuum left by the deported Afghan workers.