Challenges, opportunities, and risks

In the middle of Dhaka's growing waste crisis, a quiet revolution is happening, one that's being led by young people who see opportunity where others see garbage. Across Bangladesh, a number of youth-led initiatives and businesses are emerging that are transforming waste into commercially viable products. These new ventures are not only tackling environmental problems but also showing how innovation and entrepreneurship can turn challenges into income, employment, and impact.

For most people, waste is just something to throw away. But for these young entrepreneurs, it's a valuable resource. Something that can be collected, sorted, and turned into something useful. Whether it's food waste turned into compost, plastic bottles converted into resin, or discarded electronics stripped for raw materials, these businesses are building a new kind of economy, one that is circular and sustainable.

A number of companies have already stepped into this space. Waste Concern, for example, has been working for years to collect organic waste from households and markets and turn it into compost for agricultural use. Their compost is sold to farmers, helping reduce the use of chemical fertilisers. Another company, Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL), recycles used plastic bottles into PET resin, which is then used in the local packaging industry and exported. A startup named Plastile is creating construction materials like floor tiles and bricks entirely out of plastic waste. GarbageMan Limited is offering structured waste collection services for urban households and connecting it to recyclers, creating a cleaner supply chain. These companies may be working in different sectors, but they all share one thing in common that they are proving that waste can be a resource and not just a burden.

We spoke to Malik Hossain Al-Mamun, general manager of Azizu Recycling & E-waste Company Limited, one of the few companies in Bangladesh that works formally with electronic waste. Electronic waste, or e-waste, is among the most hazardous waste types, yet it is often handled informally in Bangladesh with little attention to safety or environmental harm.

"Our journey began with concern," Malik shared. "We saw how electronic waste was being handled, people breaking apart toxic materials with bare hands, no safety, no regulation. That's when we knew something had to change."

Azizu Recycling works on a full-cycle model that begins with sourcing waste from telecom companies, factories, public auctions, and producer responsibility schemes. They also maintain links with informal collectors, helping them feed into a more structured system. Once waste reaches their facility, it's manually and mechanically dismantled and separated into parts, plastic, batteries, metals, circuit boards. Some of the materials are recycled directly by Azizu, while others are sent to licensed recyclers and smelters, both in Bangladesh and abroad.

"We follow the e-waste management rules introduced by the government in 2021," Malik explained. "That means we do quality testing, keep track of everything, and ensure pollution is controlled throughout the process."

For Azizu, compliance is not just about paperwork; it's about building trust and setting a new industry standard. The company believes that a regulated waste sector can create more than just cleaner environments it can also offer stable jobs and space for innovation. They have taken steps to invest in pollution control systems, safety gear for workers, and proper documentation so that all their work meets national and international standards.

But it's not always easy. Malik pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in this sector is the lack of awareness and coordination. Many people still don't separate their waste, and the value chain for recyclable materials is full of gaps. New businesses face hurdles like not being able to access clean waste, finding it hard to raise funds, and struggling with licences and compliance. Social stigma is another issue. Working in waste is still seen as dirty or undignified, which can discourage passionate young people from entering this space. "Even today, some people won't rent us a space once they hear we work with waste," Malik said.

This highlights a broader reality: the waste sector in Bangladesh is still full of missed opportunities. Even though young entrepreneurs are stepping in with fresh ideas and energy, they often lack the support systems they need to grow. Many face difficulties securing bank loans or convincing investors that waste can be a profitable business. The government has made progress by introducing policy frameworks like the e-waste rules and extended producer responsibility requirements, but these rules need stronger enforcement and better awareness at the local level to be effective.

Despite the challenges, the sector is beginning to attract more attention. As cities generate more waste and landfills fill up, people are starting to recognise the need for structured recycling and waste recovery. Youth-led startups are offering real solutions not just to reduce waste, but to turn it into new materials and business opportunities. Their work is opening up a whole new space in the economy: one that connects environmental responsibility with financial viability.

Looking ahead, this sector has huge potential. If supported with right infrastructures, policies, and funding, Bangladesh's waste-based businesses could grow rapidly. They could help reduce pressure on environment, cut import dependency on raw materials, and create thousands of green jobs. Education campaigns could help change public perception and encourage more people to sort waste. Public-private partnerships could improve waste collection systems and help businesses get better access to materials. More importantly, showcasing successful entrepreneurs like Malik and others can inspire young people to take the leap.

In the end, waste will always be a part of urban life. But what we do with it is a choice. In the hands of Bangladesh's young entrepreneurs, waste is no longer something to ignore. It's something to work with, build on, and even profit from. The road may not be easy, but the movement has already started. And with the right kind of support, today's waste could become tomorrow's opportunity.

Sheikh Shabab Tawkee Rupok and Ahnaf Amir Aunabil are studying at Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka.

rupok.du.ds@gmail.com, aahnafamir@gmail.com