Bangladesh's Rivers Choked by Growing Plastic Waste and Health Risks
Bangladesh generates about 3,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, much of which ends up in rivers like the Buriganga, threatening ecosystems and public health.
The introduction of single-use plastic in Bangladesh during the 1980s has led to an estimated daily generation of 3,000 tonnes of plastic waste, according to a 2022 ESDO study. This waste accumulates in rivers, notably the Buriganga, where it blocks waterways, endangers fish, and contributes microplastic contamination to the diet. PET materials used in bottles and packaging persist for centuries, leaching chemicals into water and food.
The country's plastic industry employs about 1.5 million workers across over 6,000 manufacturing units, many of which are small and medium enterprises, and exports a portion of its output. Recycling is dominated by informal sectors, with traders in Islambagh sorting waste into chips for resale to factories. Experts cite unregulated production, weak recycling infrastructure, limited public awareness, and lax law enforcement as drivers of the crisis.
Why it matters
River pollution from plastic threatens Bangladesh's environment, food safety, and the health of millions.
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