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American Journal of  Environmental
Economics (AJEE) 

How Development Sectors are Contributing to Waste Management in Bangladesh
Md. Abu Shahen1*

Volume 3 Issue 1, Year 2024
ISSN: 2833-7905 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajee.v3i1.2780
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: June 10, 2024

Accepted: July 08, 2024

Published: July 12, 2024

This article investigates the role of  development sectors like non-government agencies in waste 
management in Bangladesh, particularly in semi-urban area. Through qualitative methods, key 
informant interviews and focus group discussions, the study reveals that NGOs are working 
to establish efficient waste management protocols in the most polluted and contaminated area. 
They have funded various activities, including awareness campaigns, agricultural practices, 
bin installation, information distribution, green club development, treatment plans, and 
transportation and disposal support. It is crucial for local government officials and women 
to be well-informed about waste management. To strengthen waste management activities, 
measures such as permanent disposal facilities, fixed garbage collection schedules, recycling 
markets, whistle systems, and bin erecting are needed. The article emphasizes the importance 
of  well-informed local government officials and women in waste management.

Keywords

Bangladesh, Government, Waste, 
Management

1 University of  Rajshahi, Bangladesh
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: shahen.sw@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
In Bangladesh, the management of  solid waste is 
an urgent matter that requires immediate attention. 
Research in urban areas such as Chittagong and Dhaka 
indicate that the nation is currently facing difficulties in 
efficiently managing domestic solid waste (Sujauddin 
et al., 2008; Afroz et al., 2011).  To address this issue, it 
is crucial to prioritize the reduction of  solid waste and 
the implementation of  sustainable waste management 
programs (Afroz et al., 2011). Furthermore, Habib et al. 
(2021) have recognized the investigation of  waste-to-
energy conversion as a technique to enhance solid waste 
management in places like Rajshahi. Efficiently managing 
municipal solid trash in Bangladesh, especially in densely 
populated urban areas like Barishal, poses a substantial and 
complex problem (Abir et al., 2023). Studies emphasize the 
crucial need for establishing effective waste management 
systems to reduce environmental and public health 
hazards linked to insufficient waste disposal methods 
(Hamid & Faruquee, 2022). The significant production 
of  solid waste in metropolitan regions, including sewage 
and greywater, underscores the imperative of  establishing 
efficient waste management systems (Sharior et al., 2023). 
Efforts to enhance solid waste management in Bangladesh 
encompass multiple stakeholders, such as households 
and local governments. Research has proposed models 
for sustainable waste management strategies, such as 
community-based methods, to aid policymakers in 
developing efficient waste management protocols (Banik 
et al., 2016). The existence of  an informal secKabir et al. 
(2015) highlight the possibility of  incorporating informal 
practices into formal waste management systems, given 
the existence of  an informal sector actively engaged in 
waste collection and recycling. Concerning particular 
waste sources, including medical and industrial trash. 
Poor management of  medical waste presents substantial 

risks to public health, highlighting the necessity for 
improved waste management methods in healthcare 
facilities (Hassan et al., 2008). Studies on industrial waste 
management highlight the significance of  recycling 
and implementing safe disposal methods to reduce 
environmental consequences (Akter & Muniruzzaman, 
2020). To effectively handle solid waste management 
in Bangladesh, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive 
approach that combines sustainable practices, community 
engagement, and efficient policy execution. By utilizing 
findings from research studies that examine waste 
classification, socio-economic aspects, waste-to-energy 
potential, and stakeholder attitudes, Bangladesh can 
advance in developing a strong and sustainable framework 
for managing solid waste.
Similar to many other impoverished countries, Bangladesh 
has mostly neglected and understudied solid waste 
management. Stakeholders have recently recognized this 
industry as vital for safeguarding both the environment 
and human well-being. Bangladesh’s urban population has 
experienced significant and rapid growth, with an annual 
rate of  about 6%. Six main cities primarily concentrate 
this population: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, 
Barisal, and Sylhet. Based on current estimates, these 
cities house around 13% of  the total population, with 
55–60% of  the population living in urban areas (Alamgir 
et al., 2005). The efficient administration of  the MSW 
system in these cities requires a cooperative endeavor 
that includes the municipal authorities, business entities, 
community-based organizations, and non-governmental 
organizations (NGOs). The overall status quo remains 
unchanged. Considering the relevant socioeconomic 
conditions and technological aspects of  the country, it is 
evident that an integrated solid waste management system 
(ISWM) is required. In order to assess the feasibility of  
adopting an integrated solid waste management (ISWM) 



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system, it is necessary to thoroughly analyze the existing 
management system’s constraints, limits, and relevant 
experiences. To accomplish this, a feasibility study called 
Waste Safe (Alamgir et al., 2005) was conducted to assess 
the present condition of  municipal solid waste (MSW) 
management in the least developed Asian countries 
(LDACs), including the problems and limitations it faces. 
Ahsan et al. (2013) and Samah et al. (2013a and 2013b) 
present comprehensive studies on the content, generation, 
management, and recycling practices of  municipal solid 
waste (MSW) in Malaysia.
Bangladesh is one of  the South Asian countries 
experiencing rapid urbanization, with 63 million people, 
or 38% of  the total population, living in urban areas (The 
World Bank, 2020). The process of  urbanization has led 
to a significant rise in waste production and made waste 
management more challenging, particularly in densely 
populated areas such as Dhaka. These developments have 
adverse effects on the environment, public health, and 
urban livability. The eleventh Sustainable Development 
Goal, Sustainable Cities and Communities, calls for a 
reduction in the negative environmental impact per 
person in cities by 2030. This includes a particular focus 
on improving air quality and managing municipal and 
other types of  trash. Furthermore, this specific aim 
intricately connects to the attainment of  other Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs). Recycling garbage is a 
method that can help achieve the goal of  SDG 7, which 
is to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern 
energy access for everyone. This will facilitate the pursuit 
of  sustainable energy (Islam, 2021). Bangladesh’s rugged 
topography, abundant vegetation, and breathtaking 
beauty have occasionally earned it the title of  “Greenest 
Nation” on the planet. Nevertheless, the city’s pristine 
appearance has significantly declined as a result of  the 
widespread accumulation of  garbage and insufficient 
waste management practices (Shamsuddoha, 2009). 
Waste refers to any item, product, or object that is 
discarded, planned to be discarded, or required to be 
discarded due to its unsuitability for its original purpose. 
We commonly classify it into two distinct categories: 
hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Hazardous 
wastes encompass substances such as pharmaceutical, 
industrial, and electronic (or “e-waste”) wastes. Non-toxic 
waste includes materials generated by local governments, 
such as construction waste and residential refuse. 
Alternatively, waste can exist in either liquid or solid form, 
and each form necessitates a distinct method for handling 
and disposing of  it. Regardless of  its hazardous nature, 
improper collection and treatment of  garbage can pose 
substantial threats to human health and the environment. 
As stated by the United Nations, managing solid waste 
refers to the regulated handling of  waste material 
from its generation at the source, through the various 
recovery procedures, to its final disposal. Municipal 
solid waste in urban areas is a significant challenge due 
to its large volume and difficulties in managing it. Every 

day, Bangladeshi cities generate more than twenty-five 
thousand metric tons of  rubbish, with each person 
producing 170 kg of  solid waste per year (Ahmed, 2019). 
The volume of  waste increased by over 100%, from 
6,500 metric tons in 1991 to 13,300 metric tons in 2005, 
within a span of  15 years (Dhaka Tribune, 2020a). The 
increase in trash will occur due to the country’s shift 
towards a middle-class economy, alterations in the living 
conditions of  urban people, and the country’s expanding 
urbanization. We anticipate an increase in urban solid 
trash generation per person from 0.49 kg in 1995 to 0.60 
kg by 2025. Ahmed, 2019. Inefficient garbage collection, 
costly removal and disposal procedures, insufficient land 
for final disposal, the absence of  recycling legislation, 
and a lack of  environmental consciousness characterize 
the present waste management methods (Abedin & 
Jahiruddin, 2015).

Historical Development of  Waste Management 
The history of  trash reflects the histories of  the 
societies that generated it, their interactions with the 
environment, and the resources they utilized. Before the 
industrial revolution, the Parisian motta papellardorum 
and the Roman cloaca maximum exemplified the close 
connection between urban sustainability and garbage 
management. Urban areas generated minimal waste, 
but the methods for collecting and disposing of  it 
frequently proved ineffective, leading to complaints about 
unpleasant odors. The deployment of  new management 
tactics and legislation to clean up towns throughout 
Europe was a result of  Neo-Hippocratic medicine, which 
connected excess mortality in cities to environmental and 
air pollution. The majority of  urban garbage used for 
agricultural or industrial purposes also saw an increase in 
value. Therefore, from the 1770s to the 1860s, there was 
a strong correlation between the state of  being well and 
the retrieval of  bodily waste.
The recycling industry experienced a detrimental effect 
beginning in the 1870s due to the fertilizer revolution, 
the significant expansion of  the coal and later petroleum 
industries, and the demand for more easily obtainable 
resources. Although several cities first tried to mitigate 
the decrease in value of  urban by-products, many of  
them ultimately abandoned these efforts during the 
interwar period. Before the 1960s, the goal of  waste 
management was to reduce costs. What was once a 
source of  wealth has now become costly for society. The 
environment functioned as a waste disposal facility. Crises 
of  the industrial city, growing concerns about the planet’s 
resources, and an environmental crisis characterized the 
1960s and 1970s. In this context, people perceived waste 
as a manifestation of  the indulgences of  a consumerist 
society. Garbage production continued to rise, resulting in 
persistent sanitary incidents. The results of  waste policy 
implementation are diverse. The negative consequences 
of  this “curse of  the developed world” also affected 
impoverished countries (Barles, 2014).



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Perspective and Prospects 
During most of  human history, the environment was 
commonly known as the “global commons” (Hardin, 
1968). This implied that activities like resource extraction, 
agriculture, manufacturing, material production, and 
distribution, along with human waste, could freely 
release emissions and waste into the air, water, or land. 
Wilson (2023) asserts that the 19th century initially 
enacted regulations for the disposal of  solid waste in 
urban areas and the control of  human waste discharge 
to safeguard public health. Nevertheless, the disposal 
of  hazardous, industrial, and municipal solid waste was 
unregulated and largely ignored until the later years of  
the 20th century (Wilson, 2007). Due to the increasing 
visibility of  unregulated emissions, the UK implemented 
the Clean Air Act in 1956 in response to the London 
haze. This legislation restricted the use of  solid fuels in 
residential residences and served as a blueprint for such 
laws in other affluent nations (Wilson, 2023). In addition, 
resource utilization has experienced a substantial rise 
since around 1950, resulting in increased emissions and 
waste generation (Steffen et al., 2015). From 1950 to 1970, 
the global population experienced 50% growth, reaching 
a total of  3.8 billion individuals, with 57% of  them 
living in urban areas. Consumerism arose as a result of  
the improvement in living standards. The environmental 
demands were on the rise. Rachel Carson’s 1982 book 
Silent Spring ignited the environmental movement by 
bringing attention to the pervasive issue of  pollution 
caused by persistent pesticides. The expansion of  cities 
has exacerbated the negative impact of  unregulated 
landfill sites, especially those containing hazardous 
materials, on the population’s well-being. In the 1970s, 
industrialized nations started implementing extensive 
environmental rules to tackle the issue of  waste causing 
contamination in land, water, and air (Wilson, 2023). 
However, with the establishment of  solid waste 
management, the subsequent evaluation phases have 
gained recognition. During this phase, researchers 
categorized various issues, including the composition of  
municipal solid waste (Strasser, 1999; UK DoE, 1971), the 
responsibilities associated with waste management (UK 
DoE, 1971; ERL, 1992b), waste collection, treatment, and 
disposal (Kleis and Dalager, 2004; UK DoE, 1971), and 
recycling (Guo et al., 2005; Scheinberg et al., 2010b). At this 
juncture, the worries about solid waste were a matter of  
great apprehension for governments, citizens, and other 
stakeholders. The participating nations’ governments 
played a pivotal role in spearheading the management 
of  solid waste. Moreover, various researchers proposed 
a “technical fix” during this phase, and ERL highlighted 
the institutional context in 1992. During that period, 
governments and other stakeholders played a crucial role 
in establishing institutional standards for proper waste 
management. In addition, there were attempts to increase 
the technical standards for proper waste management. 
The major concerns revolved around hazardous waste, 
municipal solid waste, and the intended and unintended 

consequences of  waste management. Various researchers 
and organizations addressed these concerns, including 
Wilson and Forester (1987), WHO and UNEP (1983), 
ISWA WGHW (1991, 2002), Kleis and Dalager (2004), 
Damgaard et al. (2010). However, everyone agrees that 
the persistent issue of  waste stems from the consumption 
of  fruits containing inedible components. Every era of  
human history has witnessed efforts to effectively handle 
trash. However, the search for flawless management 
systems or methods is ongoing. We are now endeavoring 
to resolve these issues using appropriate methods. 

Objectives
The main objective of  this research was to analyze the 
condition of  garbage and waste management in the 
municipality. The study aimed to investigate the specific 
roles of  NGOs in raising awareness among municipality 
residents about waste management. It also sought to 
understand the current practices of  residents in this 
regard and explore the waste reduction and contamination 
prevention initiatives implemented by different NGOs.

METHODOLOGY 
This study was exclusively planned as a qualitative 
study, utilizing only qualitative data for interpretation. 
The research region was chosen to be a municipality in 
Bangladesh because of  the presence of  NGO projects 
being implemented there. Four focus group conversations 
were done in total. In addition, twelve key informant 
interviews were done to collect data. The interview 
schedule was utilized as a research instrument for the 
collecting of  key informant interview data. Furthermore, 
a questionnaire was employed to guide the focus group 
conversation and facilitate the collecting of  data from the 
group. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Bangladesh faces pollution from automobile emissions, 
industrial gases, and dust accumulation. While water 
contamination has experienced a partial reduction, it has 
not been completely eradicated. Factors contributing 
to this reduction include increased awareness, fewer 
individuals disposing of  trash down the drain, and 
efforts to dispose of  waste before it reaches the water. 
Community engagement in pollution prevention activities, 
such as recycling and proper waste disposal, is crucial 
for reducing water contamination caused by rubbish. 
The incidence of  diseases has significantly decreased 
since the cessation of  polythene incineration, which 
caused significant harm to individuals and led to the 
proliferation of  numerous diseases. Factors contributing 
to this decrease include a rise in public awareness, 
changes in waste disposal practices, and the impactful 
efforts of  non-governmental organizations in promoting 
awareness among the population. The current situation 
has experienced a moderate reduction in pollution 
compared to the previous state, with shifts in behavior 
patterns and heightened consciousness regarding proper 



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waste disposal. As pollution decreases, the incidence of  
diseases also decreases. The Cleaners goal is to dispose of  
garbage before mixing it with water sources and drains, 
resulting in a reduced amount of  waste.
Trash management involves overseeing and regulating 
waste production, collection, handling, and disposal. It 
includes measures to prevent waste generation through 
improved processes, recycling, and reutilization. The 
implementation of  waste management infrastructure has 
not reached its full potential, but it can mitigate pollution, 
preserve resources, and prevent environmental damage. 
The community has seen a shift in waste management 
practices due to increased awareness and education. 
Recycling is an effective method for managing and 
disposing of  waste, as it reduces, reuses, and properly 
handles garbage. Beneficiaries adhere to essential waste 
management principles, such as using kitchen waste 
for organic fertilizers and manufacturing door mats, 
backpacks, and laptop covers. The project aims to address 
the lack of  an established waste management framework 
by engaging the municipality and partnering with the 
local government to establish a framework. The former 
mayor of  the municipality believes that the primary 
hindrance to effective waste management is the lack of  
personnel and a well-structured strategy. Collaborating 
with local government and community leaders is crucial 
for establishing efficient waste management strategies. 
Community engagement is essential for establishing a 
mutually agreed-upon framework for trash management.
Garbage management involves the systematic handling 
and disposal of  waste, including collection, transportation, 
processing, and supervision. Education and awareness 
campaigns have been effective in promoting changes in 
waste management behavior, including recycling, reducing 
waste generation, properly disposing of  hazardous 
materials, and endorsing sustainable practices. Awareness 
of  appropriate garbage disposal practices is present in at 
least 80-90% of  homes targeted. Proper waste segregation 
is crucial for minimizing the environmental impact and 
preventing health problems caused by improper disposal. 
Implementing waste division is financially beneficial 
as it simplifies the recycling process. Participants in the 
FGD working group emphasized the importance of  
separating home waste into different bins for each type 
of  waste, including wet and dry waste, and disposing of  
them separately. Composting home waste is a common 
practice, and recycling is a common practice. The Green 
Club (GC) provides three separate categories of  waste 
receptacles for students to use in their schools. However, 
Bangladesh’s dense population presents challenges for 
garbage management, necessitating a greater allocation 
of  municipal budget for trash management. Despite the 
NGO initiative’s attention, the municipality often does not 
prioritize waste management. There is a lack of  knowledge 
about the allocation of  funds in the waste management 
sector within the municipal budget, particularly regarding 
the formulation and specific allocation of  funds.
Vocational training focuses on the conversion of  waste 

materials into profitable business opportunities, which 
protects the ecology from the detrimental effects of  
inorganic and biodegradable materials found in refuse. 
Insufficient waste management can result in soil erosion, 
water contamination, and air pollution. The training 
program has provided beneficiaries with other sources of  
income, such as sewing, composting, and helping women 
overcome financial challenges. Moreover, effective 
and sustainable waste management (SWM) conserves 
resources, mitigates environmental and public health 
impacts, and enhances urban living quality. However, 
urbanization, institutional limitations, and unsustainable 
solid waste management procedures negatively affect 
public health and environmental sustainability. The 
project aims to collaborate with the municipality to 
construct a rubbish management facility to improve the 
situation and promote a cleaner and healthier community. 
Along with, the project is collaborating with the 
municipality to construct a rubbish management facility 
to enhance the situation and promote a cleaner and 
healthier community. It is crucial to involve both the 
municipality and the community in the decision-making 
process, as the waste management system will have the 
greatest effect on community members. The majority of  
KII respondents concurred that the municipality should 
have prioritized trash control over garbage management in 
the budget. Surprisingly, municipal dwellers have reduced 
their use of  plastic in their homes by 90% for various 
purposes, and they expressed their intention to promote 
the adoption of  environmentally friendly products as 
alternatives to polythene or plastic products. However, 
feedback from previous KII participants indicates that 
households only use environmentally friendly products 
to a limited extent for various household needs, relying 
on conventional, environmentally harmful materials like 
plastic and polythene bags. This could indicate a lack of  
understanding or availability of  eco-friendly alternatives, 
as well as a lack of  motivation to make the necessary 
changes. However, to promote the use of  environmentally 
friendly products in family consumption, it can be 
beneficial to provide education and raise knowledge 
about the benefits associated with their usage. The KII 
respondents revealed that, despite the challenges they 
face, the homes under study expressed a strong desire to 
switch to environmentally friendly products if  they were 
readily available and affordable.
The Bangladeshi government has a crucial role in waste 
management because of  the environmental and public 
health difficulties faced by the country. Bangladesh 
faces challenges related to air and water pollution, land 
degradation, and inadequate waste management (Masud 
et al., 2017). The inadequate waste management planning 
and infrastructure for municipal wastes, which include 
human waste, pose substantial environmental and 
public health risks (Sharior et al., 2023). The government 
ministries and departments in Bangladesh are actively 
engaged in devising waste management policies to address 
these difficulties (Mahmud et al., 2020). Recently, the 



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government of  Bangladesh, in partnership with private 
NGOs, has undertaken initiatives to transform garbage 
into electricity, representing a commendable move 
towards implementing sustainable waste management 
methods (Mostakim et al., 2021). However, the country 
continues to face substantial obstacles in waste 
management, such as insufficient legislation for garbage 
disposal, a lack of  awareness, poor technology selection, 
and inadequate financial backing (Abedin & Jahiruddin, 
2015). The lack of  well-defined criteria on the obligations 
of  waste producers and government bodies, coupled 
with varying laws on waste management, exacerbate the 
situation (Hamid & Faruquee, 2022). Efficient waste 
management is especially vital during emergencies like 
the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put pressure on the 
healthcare system and worsened problems concerning 
the handling of  biomedical waste in Bangladesh (Shammi 
et al., 2020). The implementation of  mass vaccination 
programs has exacerbated the already precarious medical 
waste management system in the country (Rayhan et al., 
2022). Developing nations such as Bangladesh continue 
to have ongoing difficulties in achieving sustainable 
waste management. This requires the development 
and execution of  comprehensive strategies that are 
effective in addressing the issue (Hannan & Aigbogun, 
2021). Ultimately, the government of  Bangladesh 
assumes a pivotal role in waste management to alleviate 
environmental contamination, protect public health, 
and advocate for sustainable practices. To effectively 
tackle the waste management difficulties encountered 
by the country, the government can handle them by 
implementing rules, increasing awareness, investing in 
suitable infrastructure, and partnering with stakeholders. 

Key Concerning Issues in Waste Management in 
Municipal Area 
The study suggests improvements to waste management 
in Bangladesh’s municipality area, including door-to-
door collection, a permanent disposal facility, increased 
participation of  women, schedules for cleaners, education 
on waste management, availability of  more containers, 
increased awareness among public and municipal 
authorities, and the establishment of  environment-
friendly clubs. After analyzing the results and reviews 
of  the literature, we suggest proactively addressing 
certain concerns to have a significant impact on future 
assessments of  waste and resource management. The 
policy issues that should be given priority are sustainable 
financing ( Whiteman et al., 2001; Brunner and Fellner, 
2007; Bundhoo, 2018), reevaluating sustainable recycling 
in the Global North ( Iacovidou et al., 2021; WRAP, 2022; 
Cahill et al., 2011), and reevaluating sustainable recycling 
in the Global South (GA Circular, 2020; World Bank 
Group, 2018; Whiteman et al., 2021; Matter et al., 2013; 
Velis et al., 2023; Pfaff  Simoneit, 2023). These issues have 
been extensively discussed and researched by various 
authors and organizations, as cited in the references.

CONCLUSION
In Bangladesh, waste management presents a complex 
challenge that necessitates complete solutions. While 
we have made progress, there remains room for further 
improvement. An optimal waste management approach 
necessitates the integration of  public awareness 
campaigns, infrastructural improvements, and regulatory 
reforms. Moreover, refusing to purchase items excessively 
packaged in boxes and bags or covered in plastic is an 
intelligent approach to minimizing waste. However, 
the citizens of  Bangladesh lack knowledge about waste 
management. Therefore, it is necessary for both the 
government and non-governmental organizations to take 
additional measures to raise awareness. Furthermore, the 
concerned authorities should implement measures such 
as establishing a permanent disposal facility, setting a 
fixed trash collection date, creating a market for recycled 
garbage, issuing a warning signal before waste collection, 
and increasing the number of  bins. We recommend these 
actions for effective management in the municipal area. In 
addition to women, it is important to increase awareness 
among public and municipal officials, specifically 
councilors, by implementing new interventions in the 
municipality area. However, by adopting sustainable 
practices like recycling and composting, we can reduce 
environmental damage while also generating economic 
prospects. Effective cooperation among the government, 
industry, and communities is crucial for promoting 
creativity and guaranteeing the sustainable achievement 
of  waste management projects. By placing a high value 
on environmental stewardship and implementing 
comprehensive strategies, Bangladesh may lead the way 
towards a more environmentally clean and healthier 
future.

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