Bangladesh is taking meaningful steps to transform how it handles waste, giving discarded materials a new purpose and restoring dignity to thousands of informal waste workers. This new approach not only helps the environment but also empowers communities and promotes a more inclusive economy. Across the country, informal waste collectors—often overlooked and underpaid—are being recognized for the vital role they play in managing urban waste. These workers collect, sort, and sell recyclable materials from streets, landfills, and households. Until recently, their efforts went largely unnoticed, and they worked in unsafe and unhygienic conditions without legal protection. Now, a shift is happening. Bangladesh is increasingly adopting a circular economy model, where waste is not just discarded but reused, recycled, or turned into something new. This approach reduces environmental harm and saves resources. For example, discarded plastic bottles are being processed into textile fibers for clothing. Organic waste from food markets is being composted and used in agriculture. These practices are turning trash into valuable resources. What’s more inspiring is how this movement is also improving the lives of waste workers. Cities like Dhaka and Narayanganj are partnering with organizations to train waste pickers, offer them safety equipment, and help them formalize their work through cooperatives. With proper support, many workers now have better earnings, access to healthcare, and are no longer treated as invisible laborers. Women, who make up a large part of the informal waste workforce, are especially benefiting from this change. Training programs are helping them gain new skills and move into leadership roles within waste management cooperatives. These opportunities are not only improving their incomes but also building their confidence and social status. Bangladesh’s progress in this area is being noticed internationally. By investing in recycling systems and supporting workers at the grassroots level, the country is showing how developing nations can tackle waste while creating jobs and protecting the planet. It’s a model that proves social justice and sustainability can go hand in hand. The journey is still ongoing, and challenges remain, such as ensuring consistent funding and scaling successful projects across the country. But the direction is clear—Bangladesh is turning waste into opportunity and ensuring that those who manage it are treated with respect.
