Unilever Bangladesh, CCC and YPSA renewed their partnership for two years to improve plastic waste management, support waste workers, expand recycling systems, and promote community awareness across Chattogram.
Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) have renewed their partnership for another two years to strengthen plastic waste management and improve the livelihoods of waste workers in Chattogram.
The renewed tripartite agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Sunday at a ceremony attended by Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain as chief guest.
Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury (S), BN, chief conservancy officer of CCC, Mohammed Arifur Rahman, founder and chief executive officer of YPSA, Ruhul Quddus Khan, chief executive officer and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, and Shamima Akhter, director of corporate affairs, partnerships and communications at Unilever Bangladesh Limited, were present as special guests.
The partnership, launched in 2022, has been operating across all 41 wards of Chattogram City Corporation to strengthen the plastic waste value chain by connecting waste workers, scrap buyers and recyclers through a more inclusive system.
The initiative has focused on improving the collection and management of low-value plastic waste through an incentive-based model. It has also supported livelihood development by providing training on waste management, health and safety, and basic business skills.
Participants in the programme have received safety equipment and access to health protection measures.
According to the organisers, 3,000 waste workers and 220 scrap buyers have been trained under the initiative, while around 2,000 waste workers have received safety equipment.
In 2025, the programme introduced group life insurance coverage for participants. A total of 1,827 beneficiaries received insurance protection against disability or accidental death.
Community engagement activities under the programme have reached nearly 25,000 households and more than 10,000 students in schools and madrasas, with further outreach activities planned.
Between June 2022 and April 2026, more than 32,000 tonnes of plastic waste were collected under the initiative, of which 70 percent was flexible plastic.
The programme also contributed to greater financial inclusion among participants, with half of the participating scrap buyers obtaining trade licences and all participants opening active bank accounts.
Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaboration between city authorities, the private sector and civil society in improving urban waste management systems.
“By working together, we can improve service delivery at the ward level while addressing environmental challenges that directly affect our communities,” he said.
He said the initiative supported the city corporation’s broader vision for “a cleaner, greener and more liveable Chattogram” through shared responsibility and civic engagement.
The mayor also thanked Unilever Bangladesh for its continued commitment to the city and for working closely with stakeholders to build a sustainable plastic waste management system.
Ruhul Quddus Khan said addressing plastic waste required “systemic change and sustained collaboration 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 pilot and strengthen inclusive waste management models,” he said.
“Our continued partnership with Chattogram City Corporation and YPSA is an important step towards scaling impact, supporting waste workers, improving collection systems and contributing to a more sustainable urban ecosystem.”
Mohammed Arifur Rahman said the initiative helped bring informal waste workers into a more organised system, improving income opportunities and strengthening access to safety measures and recognition.
“By combining community engagement with practical support on the ground, the initiative contributes to more resilient waste management practices and stronger local participation,” he said.
During the event, two waste collectors and two scrap buyers were recognised for their contributions to plastic waste management in the city.
The renewed partnership will continue to focus on plastic waste collection and management while promoting behaviour change at the community level to support a more efficient and inclusive waste management ecosystem in Chattogram.
