Poor waste management in Dhaka city

The population of Dhaka city has exceeded 10.0 millions. Dhaka is soon going to be included among 20 mega cities of the world.  But one of the most alarming aspect of life in Dhaka is that things are moving in an unplanned manner in terms of waste management. The garbage collection system of the city is very poor and highly inadequate. It is also very common among the city dwellers to throw garbage through the window regardless of where it is landing.  The lack of garbage bins is to be blamed. Garbage is being dumped and not removed, as a result of which accumulation of waste is noticed everywhere.

Additionally, the garbage that is collected are dumped at a place at the outskirts of the city and left untreated. The dustbins found here and there across the city often are found overflowing. People who collect the garbage are neither well-trained nor well-equipped to do it in an organized manner. The city lacks infrastructure to manage the waste.

An environment-friendly and cost-efficient method of garbage disposal has to be developed. Garbage incinerating machines should be designed or a different method of destroying the garbage should be developed.

Many countries around the world recycle the wastes. A similar recycling system could be introduced in Dhaka.

Social awareness should be created among people by forming an outreach programme that draws attention of the people and give them the necessary information.

Md. Selim Jahan

Department of Business Administration

East West University, Dhaka.

selimjahan.ewu@gmail.com