Vol. 7 No. 1 (2024)
Research

Progressive Formalisation of Household Solid Waste Source-Segregation in Khulna City, Bangladesh: A Transition towards Inclusive Circular Economy

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  • Swarna Bintay Kadir,
  • S.M. Tariqul Islam,
  • S.M. Rokibuzzaman,
  • Suman Dhun Srestha,
  • Reena Bajracharya
Swarna Bintay Kadir
Institute of Disaster Management, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna-9203 Bangladesh..
S.M. Tariqul Islam
Institute of Disaster Management, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna-9203 Bangladesh.
S.M. Rokibuzzaman
Institute of Disaster Management, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna-9203 Bangladesh.
Suman Dhun Srestha
Intellectuals Center, Banepa -7, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal.
Reena Bajracharya
Intellectuals Center, Banepa -7, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3197/whpww.63857928646674
Categories

Published 2024-08-12

Keywords

  • Informal Workers,
  • Solid Waste,
  • Non-Government Organisation,
  • Recycling,
  • Policy Gap

How to Cite

Kadir, S. B., Islam, S. T., Rokibuzzaman, S., Srestha, S. D., & Bajracharya, R. (2024). Progressive Formalisation of Household Solid Waste Source-Segregation in Khulna City, Bangladesh: A Transition towards Inclusive Circular Economy. Worldwide Waste, 7(1), Art. 2. https://doi.org/10.3197/whpww.63857928646674

Copyright (c) 2024 Swarna Bintay Kadir, S.M. Tariqul Islam, S.M. Rokibuzzaman, Suman Dhun Srestha, Reena Bajracharya

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Integrating circular economy into solid waste management is challenging for the local government authorities in Bangladesh, though its necessity is well recognised. The absence of household waste segregation in overcrowded urban areas is an obstacle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of reduced waste generation by 2030. This research in Khulna city found that recyclable and reusable products are separated informally by grassroots people in seven stages, instead of a source. Relevant stakeholders and grassroots people working at different level of solid waste governance were interviewed to find out the current status. The thematic analysis reveals that policy gaps, limited budgets, inadequate facilities, social constraints, behavioural inertia, non-engagement of private organisations and insufficient community participation are significant challenges to circular economy transition. Stakeholders have proposed a series of actions, beginning with proper policy formulation, followed by facility provision, awareness building and enforcement in the event of excessive public ignorance.

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