The Recycling Industry of Bangladesh: Paving the Path towards a Greener Future

Written by Syed Md. Rakeen, Team MBR

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children."

The aforementioned statement underscores the significance of sustainable development and the imperative to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between economic advancement and safeguarding the environment. The statement has emerged as a topic of discussion in recent times, with many environmentalists wondering about the state of the world they will be leaving behind for future generations. Global waste production has shot up significantly in recent years and has shown no signs of stopping. This is evident due to the simultaneous exponential rise in worldwide consumption and waste generation. According to the World Bank (WB), global waste generation is predicted to reach nearly 3.88 billion metric tonnes by 2050. Numerous variables, including population increase, urbanisation, economic expansion, and consumer purchasing patterns, are the reasons behind this everincreasing waste generation trend. In underdeveloped countries, waste is frequently dumped at dangerous open dump sites. Although wealthier nations generate a larger volume of waste than poorer nations, their efficient waste management systems allow them to become adept at tackling environmental challenges while developing countries lag behind.

Modern society faces a challenge in managing the enormous amounts of waste that are shifting consumer habits and rapid urbanisation are producing. Research claims that about 5,000 metric tonnes of waste are generated in Dhaka city daily, of which only half is correctly collected and disposed of, with the other half being untreated. Roughly one-third of the more than 2.01 billion metric tonnes of waste generated worldwide needs to be managed in an ecologically responsible way.

The potential of the Recycling Industry in Bangladesh

As per an estimation by the World Bank Group, Bangladesh exhibits a considerable scope for climate[1]smart investments, amounting to approximately USD 172 billion spanning the period from 2018 to 2030. The majority of these investments are expected to be directed towards environmentally friendly buildings, transportation infrastructure, urban water, agriculture, and renewable energy. Bangladesh possesses the potential to establish a domestic green finance or bond market that could be utilised to secure private funding for climate-related initiatives. As per a recent report published by Our World in Data, it has been found that developed nations are the foremost consumers and producers of plastic products. According to recent data, approximately 70% of the world’s plastic production and consumption can be attributed to a select group of countries. This translates to an estimated economic value of USD 405 billion.

The concept of the plastic circular economy presents opportunities for countries such as Bangladesh to establish their global market presence. However, certain countries may lack the motivation and infrastructure to implement recycling practices effectively. Statistics indicate that a mere 6% of global recycling efforts occur within developed nations, leading to widespread plastic pollution and significant environmental harm that may prove irreversible.

 

 

Waste in Urban and Rural Areas

Rural Sewage

Based on the findings of a survey, a daily average of 4,290 metric tonnes of waste is produced in the rural markets of the country. On average, a bazaar comprising approximately 1,500 shops produces two metric tonnes of waste. On haat days, approximately 2.5 metric tonnes of waste are produced, while on other days, the amount decreases to one to one and a half metric tonnes. The study reveals that biodegradable waste constitutes a significant proportion of the total waste generated, ranging from 56.77% to 60%. Non[1]biodegradable waste, on the other hand, accounts for approximately 36.62% to 37.53% of the total waste generated. Medical or hazardous waste, which poses a significant threat to the environment and human health, accounts for a relatively smaller proportion of the total waste generated, ranging from 2.82% to 4.49%.

Urban Waste

Bangladesh is one of the fastest-urbanising economies in South Asia, with 38% of the total population residing in urban areas. The phenomenon of rapid urbanisation has led to a rise in the amount of waste generated, thereby increasing the complexity of waste management. This issue is particularly pronounced in densely populated cities such as Dhaka and has resulted in negative impacts on urban livability, environmental quality, and public health.

Waste Collection

As Figure 01 shows, the current waste collection and management system in Dhaka appears to be outdated and lacking in organisation. The waste management process is comprised of three distinct stages: primary, secondary, and landfill. During the primary collection stage, waste is gathered from the streets by child waste collectors and vans. The waste is deposited into indiscriminate and unsegregated receptacles at secondary collection sites, where it frequently remains uncollected for extended periods, resulting in unhygienic conditions and an elevated likelihood of waste-related illnesses. It is imperative to modernise the system in order to prevent the possibility of a public health crisis.

 

Waste Segregation

The process of waste segregation involves separating various waste materials based on their distinct characteristics and composition. This ensures that these materials are managed and disposed of in a manner suitable for each type of waste. The categorisation of waste is crucial to waste management and environmental sustainability. This is because it enables the effective management of waste and promotes the preservation of the environment. The categorisation of waste materials into distinct groups, including paper, plastic, glass, and metal, facilitates the recycling process and enables the retrieval of valuable resources. Adequate segregation of waste materials is crucial to guaranteeing the secure disposal of hazardous waste, thereby preventing any detrimental effects on the environment and public health. The act of waste segregation has the potential to decrease the volume of waste materials directed to landfills, thereby reducing the expenses incurred in managing waste. In the grand scheme of things, implementing efficient waste segregation practises plays a crucial role in advancing the principles of a circular economy and mitigating the ecological repercussions of waste. The prominent areas of waste production in Bangladesh are:

Plastic Waste

A study reveals that daily plastic waste generation in Dhaka has risen from 178 metric tonnes in 2005 to 646 metric tonnes in 2020. Plastic waste is mostly deposited in various locations, such as landfills, bodies of water, recreational areas, roadways, and coastal beaches. According to recent research, the recycling rate of plastic waste in Bangladesh has decreased from 51% in 2006 to 36% in 2019. Specifically, out of the 8.25 lakh metric tonnes of plastic waste produced in 2019, only 36% of it was recycled.

E-Waste

E-scraps, also known as waste from electric and electronic equipment, are complex chemical substances that are hazardous. The e-waste stream is composed of various hazardous but valuable substances such as iron, steel, copper, aluminium, and plastics. These wastes are predominantly disposed of as general waste, particularly in developing countries. Improper disposal of waste materials can result in the depletion of natural resources and irreversible harm to the environment, which can pose a health risk to individuals employed in the industry if not recycled using scientific methods.

Medical Waste

A significant proportion of healthcare facilities and diagnostic centres across the country are facing challenges adhering to the prescribed protocol for the segregation and disposal of hazardous medical waste. Specifically, the segregation of waste into yellow containers for dangerous medical waste, red containers for sharp waste, silver containers for radioactive waste, white containers for recyclable waste, and black containers for non-recyclable waste is posing a challenge for these facilities.

Waste from Ready-Made Garments

The nation of Bangladesh, which holds the distinction of being the second-largest apparel producer globally, generates a significant quantity of cotton textile scraps. However, these byproducts are typically disposed of through landfilling, incineration, exportation, or repurposing into fabrics of substandard quality. The lack of production of recycled yarn from byproducts in the country results in a missed opportunity to meet the increasing global demand for apparel products. A significant dependence on imported textile fibre characterises the current state of Bangladesh’s textile industry. According to data collected in 2019, the nation’s import of primary cotton fibre amounted to 1.63 million metric tonnes, valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion. According to the research conducted by the Circular Fashion Partnership, a cross-sectorial project led by the Global Fashion Agenda, the recycling of solely 100% cotton waste within Bangladesh has the potential to reduce imports by approximately 15%. This import reduction could result in cost savings of up to USD 500 million that would have otherwise been spent on cotton imports.

Linear Economy vs. Circular Economy

The World Economic Forum reported that most international business investments follow the linear economic model of the take-make-dispose economic cycle, accounting for USD 35 trillion in total economic activity from 2019 to 2021. Conversely, the circular economy promotes the ‘repair, redesign, reuse’ mentality. The circular economy seeks to curtail excessive consumption, eliminate waste, and repair and replenish ecosystems and natural resources. New financial tools and investments are required to fund circular business models and breakthroughs at scale.

Globally, the focus is shifting from the linear economy model to a circular economy, broadening the scope to include the complete chain of production and consumption activities that result in waste that must be disposed of. The circular economy model aims to investigate production and consumption patterns that minimise waste creation without compromising business profit or national economic development.

Additionally, waste is not just meant for disposal. It may also be recycled and used as a source of raw materials for energy or new manufacturing. In other words, the circular economy seeks to be regenerative by design, with little generation of waste that cannot be recycled and maximum use of products throughout time, coupled with the best possible reuse, best possible refurbishing, best possible remanufacturing, and best possible recycling of products and resources. Better solid waste management is necessary to move towards a circular economy in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the 193 United Nations member states adopted.

Challenges in Embracing the Circular Economy

Several factors, including a lack of awareness, the unavailability of data, and the absence of a dedicated platform, hinder the promotion of the circular economy (CE). The magnitude of the informal recycling industries within the country, specifically those dealing with paper, plastic, and electronic items, is substantial. Designating these sectors as official industries can facilitate the transition towards a circular economy. This designation would provide additional support and resources for these industries.

Humans produce millions of tonnes of waste annually. Authorities must provide effective waste treatment and disposal services given the enormous volumes of waste being created. As reported by Statista, less than 20% of waste is annually recycled globally, while a sizable quantity is still dumped in landfills.

 

 

Creating a Roadmap for a Greener Future

Recover, a worldwide manufacturer of recycled cotton fibre and fibre blends with environmental consciousness, has engaged in discussions with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) regarding a potential partnership aimed at bolstering the country’s textile waste recycling capabilities, with the ultimate goal of establishing Bangladesh as a leading global recycling hub. Through the capture and repurposing of textile waste, Bangladesh has the potential to significantly curtail its reliance on imported cotton and instead produce and export recycled fibre-based clothing valued at approximately USD 3 billion. According to available data, Bangladesh’s plastic product exports amounted to USD 1.2 billion annually. It is believed that the country’s plastic product manufacturers have the potential to further augment their shipments, provided they receive adequate policy support. Following Bangladesh’s graduation from the status of Least Developed Country (LDC) in 2026, it will be imperative for the country to prioritise the production of recycled fibre. It is projected that there will be a 25% rise in consumer demand for recycled products. A mandatory requirement has been established to utilise 30% recycled water.

The recycling sector in Bangladesh plays a significant role in the nation’s economic and environmental landscape. The industry can have an instrumental impact on the economy by generating employment opportunities, promoting economic growth, and preserving natural resources. Given sustained funding and backing, the recycling sector in Bangladesh has the potential to assume a more significant position in the nation’s upward trajectory. Coupled with its strong ties to sustainable development goals, the sector should be prioritised in a bid to lessen Bangladesh’s negative environmental impact. However, the insufficiency of available facilities poses a challenge to individuals who have the intention to recycle. The absence of a sorting mechanism for recyclables results in the commingling of various types of recyclables during the collection process, rendering the prior segregation efforts and the whole waste management process futile.