Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, because the rate of disposable plastic products is increasing worldwide. The scenario of Bangladesh, is not different from this global scenario. Because of rapid urbanization and development, the use of plastic as well as the plastic waste production is increased a lot. Especially, single-use plastic (SUP) or disposable plastics packaging materials are used only once before being thrown away. These types of plastic products are more likely to end up causing clogging in different waterbodies than reusable options. In Bangladesh, nearly 1,700 tons of plastic waste is generated every day, while not even 50% of total that waste is reused. Moreover, universally, Bangladesh is positioned tenth in fumbling plastics.
Considering this alarming situation of Bangladesh, the World Bank with cooperation of Government of Bangladesh (GoB) under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Department of Environment (DoE), has developed an action plan for sustainable plastic management by re-enforcing the 3R strategy (reduce, reuse, recycle) in Bangladesh. In this light, the World Bank has administered a study about sustainable waste management practices and for reduction of the uses of SUP packaging materials in the high-density coastal areas including Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin. The objective of this diagnostic study was to identify structural and behavioral bottlenecks that can affect the implementation and compliance with Single Use Plastic (SUP) ban, reduction of SUP products usage, and the incorporation of sustainable plastic waste management practices with special focus on formal and informal businesses in the coastal areas, particularly those that operate in high-density tourist areas, as well as patrons of such businesses, including both tourists and locals. dRi has been awarded by The World Bank to conduct the aforementioned formative study. Following qualitative method, dRi conducted 64 in-depth interviews (IDI), 08 observations and photo diaries along with 02 fcous group discussions with the respondents who are engaged with the formal and informal businesses in Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin including the customers of these businesses comprises of tourists and local people.
Serial No: 232
Theme: Climate and Disaster
Research Method: Qualitative
Partner: The World Bank
Starting Year: 2022
Study Area: Cox’s Bazar, St. Martin
