To enhance the waste control, minimize littering, and reinforce the recycling activities in Punjab, the Suthra Punjab Program has added more robust and explicit cleanliness laws beginning December 2025. This update will tell you what changed, the effect it has on households and businesses, and what you should do to remain within the bounds.
What’s New in December 2025
The latest reforms introduce three major updates:
1. Monthly Cleanliness Bills (Slab-Based)
The monthly cleanliness bills will now be calculated to urban and upscale localities as per:
- Property size
- Commercial category
2. Zero-Waste Zones
Some neighborhoods are now declared Zero-Waste Zones, that is:
- No open dumping
- No burning of waste
- Strict on-spot penalties for violations
3. Priority to Recycling & Waste-to-Energy (WTE)
Recycling and WTE technology will now play a key role in:
- Reducing landfill load
- Turning residual waste into electricity
- Improving resource efficiency
How These Changes Affect Households & Businesses
Expect a small monthly fee tied to your property size and category:
Residential Charges (Illustrative):
- 5-Marla home: ~Rs. 300 per month
- 10-Marla home: Higher than 5-Marla (next slab)
- 1-Kanal & above: Higher slabs applied
Commercial Charges:
- Small shops/offices: Higher than residential
- Large plazas/outlets: Can go up to ~Rs. 5,000/month based on category
Your official bill will confirm the exact amount for your address.
Zero-Waste Zones — Key Rules to Follow
If your area is listed as a Zero-Waste Zone, you must:
- Avoid open dumping or burning waste
- Segregate waste at source:
- Wet waste: Kitchen, food scraps
- Dry waste: Plastics, metal, paper
- Follow official waste collection times
- Report missed pickups via official helplines
Why the Program Introduced These Changes
The core aim is to move from reactive cleanup to preventive waste management.
These reforms enable:
- Higher recycling efficiency
- Lower landfill usage
- Improved equipment & service planning through stable revenue
- More reliable cleanliness operations
Benefits You Will Notice
- Cleaner streets with fewer illegal dumps
- Improved public health due to reduced pests and smoke
- Fair fee structure based on usage
- Greener environment thanks to more recycling and WTE electricity
Compliance Checklist for Residents & Businesses
To avoid fines:
- Keep two bins: Wet and Dry
- Properly tie and bag waste
- Put waste outside only in designated hours
- Never dump near drains or empty plots
- Keep your bills/receipts for inspections
- If using a private collector, ensure they dump waste at official points
Fees, Fines & Appeals
- Fees are slab-based and notified by municipal authorities
- Late payments may result in penalties or service disruptions
- Fines apply for:
- Littering
- Burning trash
- Blocking drains
- For incorrect billing, file a dispute with:
- Property ID
- Supporting images (if necessary)
Recycling & WTE — The Bigger Picture
The success of this system relies on segregation at home.
- Dry, clean recyclables improve recovery rates
- Non-recyclables go to WTE plants that generate electricity
- Less landfill usage = lower methane emissions and cleaner cities
Your daily habits directly support this environmental transformation.
