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Editorial

Sustainability in waste management

Incorporate modern technology


Bangladeshpost
Published : 02 Jul 2020 08:36 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 04:32 PM

Dhaka’s waste management system has seen no remarkable improvement over the past years. One does not need to be an expert to understand Dhaka’s poor waste management system has been deteriorating the environment of this teeming capital over the years. 

Haphazard waste dumping under open sky is a contemptible image of Dhaka’s filthiness, and efficient waste management has been a challenging task for Dhaka City Corporation authorities. 

Bangladesh was already struggling with poor waste management before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, it is at risk of being hit hard by a sudden onslaught of single-use medical plastic. 

Covid-19 is producing large quantities of hazardous medical waste, with personal protective equipment (PPE) used in hospitals being the main component. Reportedly, around 250 tonnes of medical waste was generated by hospitals last month.


In order to deal with the increasing waste 

generation rate, a strategic, holistic and 

sustainable waste management practice 

should be reinforced  in no time


Every day Dhaka generates seven thousand metric tonnes of waste, of which around 50-60 per cent is gathered in selected waste disposal sites. 

Roughly, 20 per cent is collected and recycled and the rest remains uncollected and scattered on the roads or heaped in the drains hindering the total drainage system. 

Such a poor waste management system is putting public health in jeopardy while causing air pollution, water pollution and environmental degradation.

It is high time to reform the entire waste disposal, waste treatment and waste management system of Dhaka. In this regard, the government has to develop a legal and strategic framework based on a new and reinvigorated perception of the present environmental situation of Dhaka. 

We must find alternatives to open dumping with environment-friendly options and waste recycling should be considered as a treatment option prior to disposal. In this regard, we have to develop new and efficient scientific ways for recycling of waste. 

Also there is always the need for creating consciousness amongst city dwellers to develop a well-organised practice of waste disposal through media demonstrations and campaigning programme. 

Last but not least, in order to deal with the increasing waste generation rate, a strategic, holistic and sustainable waste management practice should be reinforced in no time.