Unilever, CCC and YPSA renew partnership to strengthen plastic waste management in Ctg

Unilever Bangladesh Limited has renewed its partnership with Chattogram City Corporation and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) for another two years to strengthen plastic waste management and improve the livelihoods of waste workers in Chattogram.

The tripartite agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today (11 May) in Chattogram.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain attended the event as chief guest. Chief Conservancy Officer Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, YPSA Founder and CEO Mohammed Arifur Rahman and Unilever Bangladesh CEO and Managing Director Ruhul Quddus Khan were also present.

The partnership, launched in 2022, has been operating across all 41 wards under the city corporation to strengthen the plastic waste value chain by connecting waste workers, scrap buyers and recyclers through a more inclusive collection system.

According to officials, the initiative focuses particularly on the collection and management of low-value plastic waste through an incentive-based model, while also supporting waste workers through training on waste management, occupational safety and basic business skills.

Under the programme, around 3,000 waste workers and 220 scrap buyers have received training, while nearly 2,000 waste workers have been provided with safety equipment.

The initiative also introduced group life insurance coverage in 2025. Officials said 1,827 participants have been brought under the insurance scheme, offering financial protection in cases of accidental death or disability.

Community outreach programmes conducted under the initiative have so far reached around 25,000 households and more than 10,000 students at schools and madrasas in Chattogram.

According to project data, more than 32,000 tonnes of plastic waste were collected between June 2022 and April 2026, with flexible plastics accounting for nearly 70% of the total collection.

Officials said half of the participating scrap buyers have now obtained trade licences, while all participants have opened bank accounts under the programme.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Shahadat Hossain said the partnership highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities, private companies and civil society organisations in improving urban waste management.

"By working together, we can improve service delivery at the ward level while addressing environmental challenges that directly affect our communities," he said.

He added that the initiative supports the city corporation's broader goal of building a cleaner and greener Chattogram through sustained civic engagement and shared responsibility.

Ruhul Quddus Khan said plastic waste management requires long-term collaboration and systemic changes across the value chain.

"As part of Unilever's global commitment to reducing plastic waste and accelerating circularity, we have been working in Bangladesh over the past five years to strengthen inclusive waste management models," he said.

Mohammed Arifur Rahman said the initiative has helped integrate informal waste workers into a more organised system, improving both income opportunities and workplace safety.

During the programme, two waste collectors and two scrap buyers were recognised for their contributions to plastic waste management activities in the city.

Officials said the renewed partnership will continue focusing on plastic waste collection, recycling and community-level behavioural change initiatives aimed at building a more efficient and inclusive waste management system in Chattogram.