CARE Bangladesh launches Waste Café in Cox’s Bazar camp
CARE Bangladesh launched the Waste Café initiative at Camp 15 in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, as part of its Green Enterprise Plus project to promote community-led waste management and circular-economy practices in the Rohingya camps.
The initiative introduces a community-based model to turn waste into resources, according to CARE Bangladesh.
The inauguration was held on 29 June and brought together representatives from the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, World Food Programme, NGO Platform Cox's Bazar, AMAN, EasySense, development partners, media, and Rohingya community members.
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Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman attended the event as chief guest.
Camp-in-Charge of Camp 14 and Camp 15 Md Munibur Rahman, and Country Director of CARE Bangladesh Ram Das, attended as special guests.
The programme began with a roadshow promoting waste segregation, recycling, and collective action for cleaner communities, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Waste Café site.
In his welcome remarks, Country Director of CARE Bangladesh Ram Das said, "I am encouraged and humbled to witness such an innovative initiative. It comes at a crucial time, and I am hopeful that through our collective efforts, we can take it to a larger scale in the days ahead."
Knowledge Management and Learning Coordinator at CARE Bangladesh Md Shahab Uddin introduced the Waste Café model as a community exchange platform where camp residents can bring segregated waste and exchange it for snacks, essential items, and selected services.
The facility also includes a knowledge corner where young people can read, learn, and engage.
A dedicated Waste Café website was launched to share daily achievements and emerging impact.
Participants also joined a guided tour of the facility.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman said, "Mismanaged waste is harming camp life, surrounding lands, and the environment. Community support, especially from young people, is essential for this initiative's success."
The event concluded with the unveiling of the Waste Café logo.
CARE Bangladesh said the initiative aims to promote circular economy practices, positive behaviour change, youth-led green enterprise, and a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable community.
