Punjab govt introduces new garbage tax – check new rates

The Punjab government has formally introduced a garbage collection tax under its Clean Punjab initiative, with the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) beginning phased distribution of bills in nine towns of the provincial capital.

The tax, approved by the Cabinet Division, will range between Rs200 and Rs2000 and will first be applied in upscale residential and commercial areas of Lahore before expanding to other districts. According to officials, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has started distributing bills. Its revenue and operational teams will collect the charges to generate funds for better waste collection and disposal. Authorities say the step aims to strengthen waste management systems and create cleaner urban and rural environments.

Under the new rates, rural households with an area up to five marlas will pay Rs200 per month, while urban homes of the same size will pay Rs300. Houses between five and 10 marlas will be charged Rs500 in urban areas and Rs200 in rural areas. The tax also applies to businesses. Small shops in cities will pay Rs500 per month compared to Rs300 in villages. Medium-sized shops will face a charge of Rs1,000 in urban areas and Rs700 in rural areas. Large commercial establishments will pay Rs3000 in cities and Rs2000 in villages.

Officials said the new levy is expected to improve waste collection, cover operational costs, and provide long-term support for keeping Punjab’s cities and towns clean.