Quantitative evaluation of solid waste management policies: the application of the policy modeling consistency index model in Pakistan

The government of Pakistan has implemented policies to tackle solid waste problems; however, their results have been disappointing. This study used the Policy Modeling Consistency Index to assess 12 policies issued between 2005 and 2022 to find their strengths and weaknesses from multiple perspectives. Study results indicate that one policy (PL1) meets the criteria for a perfect level of consistency; its PMC-Index score is 9.08, which falls between 9 and 10. Six policies (PL4, PL9, PL12, PL5, PL11, and PL8) show a good level of consistency, with scores of 8.03, 7.84, 7.84, 7.67, 7.42, and 7.21, respectively, falling between 7 and 8.99. Five policies (PL10, PL6, PL3, PL7, and PL2) have acceptable consistency, scoring 6.47, 6.11, 5.97, 5.50, and 5.30, respectively, falling between 5 and 6.99. However, no policy scored 0–4.99, showing low consistency. The study provides an optimization path for low-ranked policies to improve (1) multi-departmental coordination to release policies together and share expertise, knowledge, and resources; (2) policy expansion to cover rural, urban, and industrial zones; (3) enhance timeliness to ensure prompt and regular policy reviews and updates; (4) enrich policy functions; and (5) execute economic incentives and penalties, among others. These specified insights can aid decision-makers in optimizing these policies.