Bangladesh, ranked among the top 10 countries struggling with plastic waste mismanagement, faces a severe crisis with only 35% of urban plastic being recycled and over 1,000 tons entering the ocean daily. To tackle this issue, Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL), under the PLEASE Project supported by SACEP, UNOPS, and the World Bank, has introduced the Recycling Business Unit (RBU) Model, a groundbreaking approach to formalizing the plastic recycling value chain.

The RBU Model aims to eliminate economic exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and inefficiencies within the informal waste collection system. By integrating digital payment tracking, fair pricing, and improved working conditions, BPCL is not only enhancing recycling efficiency but also empowering Informal Waste Pickers (IWPs). With four operational RBUs and plans to scale up to 20 units by 2026, BPCL is creating a sustainable and inclusive recycling ecosystem.

This initiative is a major step towards addressing environmental pollution while fostering economic opportunities. View the report to learn more about how BPCL’s RBU Model is shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for Bangladesh.