Zero waste policy essential to turn waste into resources: Experts

Environmentalists, public health experts, and specialists today (30 March) called for the adoption of a zero-waste policy to fulfil the government's goal of transforming waste into a resource.

The demand was made at a human chain organised by the Coalition for the Urban Poor (CUP), Nari Maitree, and the Social and Economic Enhancement Programme (SEEP), supported by the Concern Worldwide Bangladesh, on the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste.

Dr Mushtaq Hussain, a public health specialist, highlighted the link between proper waste management and a nation's overall development.

"Effective waste management reflects a state's well-being across environment, health, education, and economics, and indicates how much the country has been able to establish itself as a humane and welfare state or how much it has been able to utilise its resources properly," he said.

He also called for stricter government monitoring and penalties for non-compliance with waste management policies.

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) Joint Secretary Professor Dr Kamruzzaman Majumder noted the well-established importance of proper waste management and a zero-waste policy in Bangladesh. He further highlighted the constitutional right to a healthy environment enshrined in Article 15(a).

He acknowledged recent legislative efforts, including the "Solid Waste Management Rules 2021," which outline responsibilities for sustainable waste management.

However, concerns regarding regional disparity were raised. Kamruzzaman pointed out that, "Dhaka North City Corporation has taken some initiatives but Dhaka South is still far behind."

He emphasised the need for multi-dimensional work involving government, NGOs, and development organisations.

Citing a World Bank report, the speakers highlighted the alarming impact of environmental pollution in Bangladesh. They stated that 272,000 premature deaths and 5.2 billion illness-related days occur annually. The financial cost was estimated at 17.6% of the 2019 GDP.

The urgency for action was stressed. Speakers warned of the consequences of inaction, including increased global warming due to methane emissions from landfills. This, they argued, is directly impacting southwestern Bangladesh, causing internal migration, displacement, and economic and social strain on Dhaka and other major cities.

The speakers presented a 9-point proposal to the government, including the adoption of a zero-waste policy, state support for producing alternatives to single-use plastic, and measures for regular water sprinkling in polluted cities.

The programme was chaired by Bapa Joint Secretary Aminur Rasul. Speakers included Lido Executive Director Farhad Hossain, Poribesh O Jolobayu Poriborton Andolon General Secretary Ferdous Ahmed Ujjal, Insights CEO Nigar Rahman, Green Voice Coordinator Humayun Kabir Suman, and Nari Maitree Programme Coordinator Khadija Akhtar.

This marked the first celebration of the International Day of Zero Waste in Bangladesh, following its global launch in 2021 by the United Nations Environment Programme and Human Settlements Programme.