RRRC, UNDP and Japan launch upgraded landfill for rohingya and host communities

The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Japan, inaugurated the expanded sanitary landfill facility at Camp 20 Extension in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, on 7 December, 2025.

The expansion marks a significant step towards strengthening safe, sustainable and system-based solid waste management for both Rohingya refugees and surrounding host communities.

The upgraded facility can handle an additional 60,000 cubic metres of non-recyclable waste, ensuring uninterrupted waste disposal for the next seven to eight years. It is expected to help prevent environmental contamination, reduce public health risks and improve living conditions across 26 camps, where nearly 140 tonnes of waste are generated daily.

The landfill is the backbone of a wider waste management system developed by UNDP since 2019. With support from government entities, the WASH Sector and partners including the Department of Public Health Engineering, BRAC as implementing partner and ManTech as construction partner, the expansion bolsters a comprehensive system that includes segregated waste collection, leachate treatment and hygiene campaigns benefiting more than nine lakh people.

Attending as chief guest, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Abu Saleh Mohammad Obaidullah said, "Proper waste management is essential for preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring safer living conditions. This expanded landfill will greatly benefit both Rohingya refugees and local host communities. We appreciate Japan and UNDP for their continued cooperation and hope this support will further strengthen public health protection in the camps."

Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Japan to Bangladesh Takahashi Naoki said, "I am hopeful that this comprehensive solid waste management facility will help improve the lives of both Rohingya refugees and host communities. Working closely with international partners such as UNDP, Japan remains committed to contributing to a sustainable solution to the Rohingya response."

UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, "Managing over 100 tonnes of waste every day in the camps is not just about disposal; it is about safeguarding health, protecting the environment and preserving dignity. This expanded facility helps ensure that the communities here can live in cleaner, safer conditions today while building a system that remains resilient for the years ahead."
He added, "This is a clear example of what sustained collaboration between humanitarian and development partners can deliver: practical, scalable solutions that serve both Rohingya and local communities."

The expansion site in Ukhiya was selected to minimise environmental impact. Located next to the existing facility, the naturally contoured land required no tree removal, hill cutting or shelter relocation.

As part of a complementary USD1.48 million Sustainable Solid Waste Management Project in the Rohingya camps, Japan is also supporting Teknaf with a new sanitary landfill, sorting facilities, composting units, innovative waste-to-energy systems and community awareness initiatives promoting circular economy practices.

As a longstanding global partner and one of UNDP's highest core contributors, Japan's support continues to enable critical interventions such as this waste management initiative in Cox's Bazar.

Senior representatives from the RRRC office, the Department of Public Health Engineering, the WASH Sector, BRAC, ManTech, local government bodies and development partners attended the inauguration. The expanded facility reflects continued collaboration for a safer, cleaner and more resilient Cox's Bazar.

Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has contributed more than USD240 million to the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh.