Garbage Tax in Punjab will now be applied as the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) rolls out garbage collection bills for residents under the Clean Punjab Project. Starting next week, households across Lahore will begin receiving these bills, with the new levy being introduced in phases across the city’s nine towns.
Sanitary Charges Introduced Under Suthra Punjab Bill for Waste Management
A new sanitary charge has been introduced under the Suthra Punjab Bill to generate funds for waste collection and disposal. In the initial phase, billing will be applied to high-value residential neighborhoods and major commercial areas, calculated on a per-marla basis.
Fee Structure for Urban Areas for Garbage Tax in Punjab
- Up to 5 marla: Rs 300 per month
- 5–10 marla: Rs 500 per month
- 10 marla – 1 kanal: Rs 1,000 per month
- 2–4 kanals: Rs 2,000 per month
- Over 4 kanals: Rs 5,000 per month
Fee Structure for Rural Areas
- Up to 10 marla: Rs 200 per month
- 10 marla – 1 kanal: Rs 400 per month
- Above 2 kanals: Rs 400 per month
Commercial Property Sanitation Charges Explained
- Urban shops/markets: Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per month
- Rural shops/markets: Rs 300 to Rs 2,000 per month
Payment and Billing Process for the New Sanitary Charges
The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has announced that sanitation bills will first be delivered in printed form for two months. Afterwards, the payment process will shift to digital channels, including banks and mobile applications. To make the system more efficient, a dedicated online platform is also being developed under the Suthra Punjab Bill for easier payments and tracking.
Garbage Tax in Punjab Revenue and Project Goals
The Punjab government expects to generate Rs 15 billion in fiscal year 2025–26 through the Suthra Punjab initiative. The funds will be used for:
- Expanding waste disposal infrastructure
- Landfill development
- Equipment procurement
- Staff salaries
- Recycling and sanitation improvements
The projected amount of Punjab garbage tax revenue during 2026-27 would be Rs 65-68 billion.
The introduction of the new sanitation fee has sparked concerns among residents, with protests reported in several areas. Critics emphasize that such charges can only be justified if they result in visible improvements, especially in vital services like garbage collection under the Clean Punjab Project.
FAQs on Garbage Tax in Punjab
What is the Garbage Tax in Punjab and why has it been introduced?
The garbage tax in Punjab is a sanitary fee introduced to generate funds for waste collection and disposal under the Clean Punjab Project.
How will residents receive garbage tax bills?
Initially, bills will be delivered in printed form for two months. Later, the system will shift to digital channels such as banks, mobile apps, and an online portal.
Which areas will be charged first under the garbage tax system?
In the first phase, the tax will apply to upscale residential neighborhoods and major commercial localities, calculated on a per-marla basis.
What concerns have been raised about the garbage tax in Punjab?
Residents have expressed concerns and even protested, saying the tax should only be justified if it results in visible improvements in garbage collection and sanitation.