Shibbir Ahmed Tashfik :
Bangladesh, a country of over 170 million people, faces the pressing issue of plastic waste management in its urban centers, particularly in Dhaka and Chittagong, where plastic waste generation has surged over the past decade.
The country’s economic growth and rapid urbanization have created a demand for plastic products due to their affordability and durability.
However, this reliance on plastic comes at a cost: a mounting plastic waste problem that endangers ecosystems, public health, and the nation’s economic resilience.
In recent years, Bangladesh has seen a significant rise in plastic consumption, driven by the packaging, garment, and fast-food industries.
This increase in plastic use has made managing waste even more challenging, with thousands of tons of plastic ending up in landfills or flowing into rivers, which eventually carry it to the ocean.
Bangladesh, a nation with a coastline on the Bay of Bengal, is particularly vulnerable to marine pollution, as plastic waste from rivers flows into coastal waters, harming marine life and, indirectly, coastal communities.
The country’s existing waste management infrastructure is under strain, with cities struggling to handle the increasing waste volumes. Much of the plastic waste ends up in informal disposal sites, while a significant portion is simply burned, releasing toxic chemicals that harm public health.
Without intervention, the negative impacts of plastic waste could lead to long-term ecological damage, increased public health issues, and economic consequences.
Recycling plastic waste is not just an environmental necessity for Bangladesh; it also presents a unique opportunity to contribute to a circular economy, create jobs, and reduce resource dependency.
Environmental Conservation and Climate Mitigation: Plastic pollution is one of the most visible forms of pollution across Bangladesh, especially in urban rivers like the Buriganga.
Recycling plastic reduces the waste that ends up in rivers and oceans, helping to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
Recycling plastic waste instead of producing virgin plastic reduces the carbon footprint associated with plastic production, helping Bangladesh work towards its climate goals under international agreements.
Job Creation and Economic Growth: Recycling creates jobs across various stages, like- collection, sorting, processing, and repurposing. In Bangladesh, a strong network of informal waste pickers already exists.
By formalizing the sector and offering better support, Bangladesh can empower a workforce that contributes to the economy while helping to manage waste.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly seeing opportunities in plastic waste recycling, including producing items such as eco-friendly building materials, textile fibers, and reusable plastic products. This diversification could add to Bangladesh’s exports and strengthen the economy.
Conserving Resources: Plastic is a petroleum-based product, meaning its production relies on finite fossil fuel resources. Recycling allows Bangladesh to extend the lifespan of these resources, decreasing the demand for raw materials and the country’s reliance on imports.
Recycling plastic within a circular economic model keeps materials in circulation longer, reducing waste and maximizing resource use.
Health and Sanitation Benefits: Burning plastic waste releases harmful chemicals into the air, posing health risks to nearby communities.
Effective recycling can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste burned, resulting in cleaner air and improved public health.Poor waste management in urban areas creates unhygienic living conditions, which can contribute to diseases. By promoting proper waste disposal and recycling, the country can create cleaner cities and healthier communities.
As Bangladesh seeks to transition toward a circular economy, it faces both opportunities and challenges. Here are some critical areas where progress can be made:
Government Policy and Support- Government policies can incentivize recycling by supporting businesses in the recycling industry and offering subsidies or tax breaks.
Such policies could encourage companies to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled materials and investing in plastic alternatives.Enforcing strict waste disposal regulations can reduce plastic pollution and encourage responsible waste management practices, especially in urban centers where waste accumulation is high.
Strengthening Recycling Infrastructure- Investment in infrastructure is essential for a comprehensive recycling system. Building more recycling facilities and expanding collection networks are necessary steps for ensuring that more plastic waste is processed and reused.
The government can collaborate with the private sector to set up efficient collection systems and increase recycling capacity, which would enable Bangladesh to recycle a larger portion of its plastic waste.
Raising Public Awareness- Educating the public on the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal is vital.
This can be achieved through school programs, public service announcements, and community engagement. Many people in Bangladesh are unaware of the long-term impacts of plastic waste, so raising awareness can empower citizens to participate in recycling and reduce plastic usage.
Incentivizing Innovation- Supporting startups and entrepreneurs who are finding innovative uses for recycled plastic or developing alternatives to single-use plastics can drive sustainable economic growth. Local businesses are already making progress in areas such as eco-friendly packaging and upcycled consumer products.
Universities and research institutions can play a role by developing new technologies (apps based) for plastic recycling and identifying alternative materials suited to Bangladesh’s needs.
Plastic waste recycling is more than a solution to a pollution problem; it represents a vital opportunity for sustainable development in Bangladesh. As the country grapples with rising plastic consumption and waste, adopting a circular economic approach through recycling can help address environmental, economic, and public health challenges.
Bangladesh’s path toward a sustainable future will require government support, infrastructure investment, and community engagement. With collective efforts, the nation can turn plastic waste from a pressing problem into an economic and environmental asset.
(The author is M. Sc, BUET, Technical Officer, Recycle Jar Ecosystem Limited, Email: [email protected])
