Managing household waste sustainably

Managing domestic waste in a densely populated developing country like Bangladesh is a complex challenge, particularly in suburban areas where infrastructure remains inadequate. The absence of a centralised waste management system leads to most household waste being dumped in open, unused spaces, forming heaps of refuse across neighbourhoods.
These unmanaged waste piles and poorly maintained landfills emit methane and other volatile organic compounds during decomposition. Globally, about 18 per cent of domestic waste consists of plastic, which takes between 50 and 500 years to decompose-polyethylene around 50 years and polystyrene over 500 years. Such waste severely contaminates soil, reducing its fertility and quality. In some cases, waste is incinerated, releasing toxic heavy metals and dioxins into the air, worsening pollution and public health risks.
To address this, a shift toward sustainable waste management practices is essential. Segregation at the source can help identify recyclables, while organic waste can be converted into compost. Proper sorting of hazardous and non-hazardous materials should also be ensured. Moreover, the government must develop and enforce effective waste management policies, establishing community-based systems for the collection, processing, and disposal of household waste.
A structured and well-funded waste management framework can not only mitigate environmental degradation but also promote a healthier and safer suburban living environment for millions of Bangladeshis.

Numaira Loqman
Student, Islamic University, Bangladesh
numairaloqman@gmail.com