Bangladesh is facing a pressing waste management crisis with solid waste management in Bangladesh especially difficult to manage.
A recent roundtable discussion, hosted by UNOPS Bangladesh as part of the “SDG Café” series, brought together government officials, environmental experts, and private stakeholders to tackle these challenges.
With the waste generation expected to double within the next 15 years, the event highlighted the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices.
Translations: Bengali
Addressing the Waste Management Crisis in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s solid waste management system is struggling to keep pace with the country’s growing urban population. Currently, cities like Dhaka generate approximately 6,500 tons of waste every day, a figure projected to reach 8,500 tons by 2032.
However, a staggering 55% of the waste in urban areas goes uncollected, leading to severe environmental and public health risks.
At the roundtable, Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, an environmental engineering professor at BUET, underscored the consequences of inadequate infrastructure and poor waste segregation.
She emphasized that without a comprehensive household waste segregation system and improved landfill management, the country will continue to face worsening pollution and climate challenges.
Urban Waste Statistics in Bangladesh |
|
|---|---|
| Daily Waste Generated (Dhaka) | 6,500 tons |
| Projected Waste by 2032 (Dhaka) | 8,500 tons |
| Uncollected Urban Waste (percentage) | 55% |
Solutions for a Sustainable Future
The 3R approach – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – was a pivotal theme in the discussion. Essentially, experts emphasized the need to shift from simply disposing of waste to adopting more sustainable consumption patterns and implementing effective recycling initiatives.
This requires a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and local communities, as noted by UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan.
To achieve this, stakeholders at the roundtable highlighted the importance of adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a policy framework that holds producers accountable for the waste generated by their products.
By encouraging businesses to design more sustainable products and packaging, EPR could lead to significant reductions in waste and an increase in recycling efforts.
Strategies for Effective Waste Management
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Reduce: This involves reducing waste production by making conscious choices, such as buying in bulk, avoiding single-use items, and composting organic matter.
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Reuse: Reusing items whenever possible, such as donating to or shopping at second-hand stores, and upcycling or repurposing old items.
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Recycle: Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing waste, and individuals can contribute by setting up recycling stations at home and participating in community recycling campaigns.
