Only around half of the waste generated in Dhaka is collected by the city’s waste collection system.
The new mayors must make it a priority to increase this amount and ensure proper treatment and recycling. Dhaka’s Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Plan has failed to make adequate progress against a backdrop which has seen waste grow by over a half in the last decade.
Totally unacceptable hazards and nuisance are caused by the dysfunctional state of current recycling services which sees noxious and often toxic materials tipped out daily for sorting on major roads.
Collection rates must be improved and recycling sites better managed so public perception of waste is transformed from being a hazard into a resource that sees increased recycling rates support the livelihoods of waste pickers and informal recyclers.
There is no shortage of laborious and expertise to make a city-wide waste and recycling service work properly. What we need is leadership and awareness-raising so that all residents feel a responsibility to dispose of litter responsibly and support recycling schemes. This must be supported by regularly emptied recycling and waste bins to facilitate more sensible waste disposal.
Community based recycling schemes should be rolled out city-wide, so more household waste is processed responsibly. Experience shows well managed schemes are highly cost effective and not only boost recycling rates but also make people less likely to litter in other areas.
As the economy grows, more waste will be created. We cannot afford not to build a system which treats it properly.