A tripartite partnership aimed at strengthening the value chain of plastic waste collection, recycling, and management has been renewed between Unilever Bangladesh Limited, Chattogram City Corporation, and YPSA (Young Power in Social Action).
Through this renewal, the partners will continue their sustainable and inclusive plastic waste management initiatives for the next two years, with a strong focus on improving the living standards of workers engaged in the waste management sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at a ceremony held on Monday at the Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View hotel.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain attended the event as the chief guest.
Special guests included CCC Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury (S), BNP; YPSA Founder and Executive Director Mohammad Arifur Rahman; Unilever Bangladesh CEO and Managing Director Ruhul Quddus Khan; and Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications Shamima Akhter.
Since 2022, the initiative has been working across 41 wards of Chattogram City Corporation to develop a structured plastic waste value chain. Under this program, sanitation workers, scrap collectors (locally known as bhangariwalas), and recyclers have been integrated into a formalized system.
An incentive-based model has been introduced to strengthen low-value plastic waste collection and management. Training has also been provided on waste management, health and safety, and basic business skills to improve livelihood opportunities for workers.
So far, around 3,000 sanitation workers and 220 scrap collectors have received training. Nearly 2,000 sanitation workers have been provided with safety equipment. In 2025, a group life insurance scheme was introduced, covering 1,827 participants against financial risks due to accidents or disability.
Community engagement activities have reached approximately 25,000 families and more than 10,000 students through awareness programs. From June 2022 to April 2026, over 32,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected, 70 percent of which was flexible plastic.
Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said that coordinated efforts among stakeholders are making city waste management more effective and contributing to the goal of building a clean and livable Chattogram.
Unilever Bangladesh CEO Ruhul Quddus Khan emphasized that long-term partnerships and structural changes are essential to addressing plastic waste challenges.
YPSA Executive Director Mohammad Arifur Rahman noted that the initiative is helping to improve the safety, income, and social recognition of waste workers.
At the event, two waste collectors and two scrap collectors were awarded for their contributions to plastic waste management.
