Bangladesh Petrochemical Company Limited (BPCL) was awarded a Regional Competitive Block Grant (RBG) to implement sustainable and innovative solutions to reduce the flow of plastic pollution in Bangladesh.

The project proposed by BPCL intends to formalize the plastic recycling value chain by forming recycling business units in Bangladesh.

BPCL is pioneering the concept of creating value out of waste in Bangladesh, being the first and only post-consumer PET bottle recycling plant in the nation. BPCL is a company with an environmental commitment to lessen greenhouse gas emissions and a social commitment to eradicate child labor and bring fairness to the recycling supply chain.
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Total Budget

1322000

Objectives/ Key outcomes

Establish a Strong Collection Chain: Set up collection units near small collection shops to directly engage small shops and waste collectors. Ensure maximum recovery of recyclable plastic wastages, including PET, HDPE, rigid LDPE, and PP.

Formalize Plastic Value Chain: Create Recycling Business Units (RBUs) across Bangladesh. Convert BPCL collection hubs into RBUs through partnerships with local entrepreneurs.

Optimize Raw Material Collection: To optimize raw material collection, bring RBUs under contractual binding with local suppliers or middlemen. Ensure BPCL’s access to quality raw materials (plastic bottles) by working with local suppliers in RBUs. Enhance Working Conditions: Professionalize bhangaris and their operations within RBUs. Create a network of well-functioning RBUs to improve the working conditions of waste pickers and workers in bhangari shops.

Create Social Benefits: Introduce social benefits to ensure loyalty throughout the bottle collection supply chain. Foster a sense of community and responsibility among stakeholders involved in the project. Promote Circular

Economy: Establish RBUs as collection points that facilitate the circular economy for plastics. Divert plastics from landfills and promote sustainable recycling practices.

Key activities

1. General Activity
   1.1 Selection and hiring of volunteer (3 persons) to mobilize the waste pickers, vangari and hawkers & hub mangers
   1.2 Arrange project inception workshop
   1.3 Arrange staff and volunteer training on project implementation strategy
   1.4 Coordination meeting
   1.5 Conduct Participatory needs assessment and action-plan development
   1.6 Develop and continuously update database of market actors, Tab purchase, real time monitoring
   1.7 Conduct Performance Evaluation of Project
   1.8 Arrange learning dissemination workshop to share project result
   1.9 Staff development (training, retreat, etc.)
2. Professionalization of Informal Waste Pickers and bhangaris on quality assurance, process, raw materials preparation and basic accounting and documentation
   2.1 “Introduce MFS or other financial transaction system &
   ensure proper record-keeping”
   2.2 Provide training to IWPs and small Bhangari on waste sorting, manual processing
   2.3 Formation of association and development of governance structure
   2.4 Large bhangari rewards program for meeting targets in supplying bottles to BPCL as well as social targets like getting association members.
   2.5 “Annual assembly of Vangari shops and IWPs through dealers. For example: Award giving ceremony on different categories like “Best Quality”, “Best Working Condition”,”

3. Intervention – Social Aspect
   3.1 Arrange Quarterly Health camps for bhangaris and IWPs
   3.2 Provide personal and occupational safety kits (Boots, Masks, Gloves, Hand Wash etc.) for IWPs lead by Bhangari
   3.3 Provide first-aid kits box for improved working conditions at Vangari/Supplier shops+ 1 RBU (100 units)
   3.4 Life skill-based education. 10 hub *100 person =8000..
   3.5 Develop and disseminate communications materials (advertisements, posters/stickers, audio-visuals, etc.) and disseminate through print and electronic media (including social media)
   3.6 Childcare setting up and oprational cost

4. Intervention – Business Aspect
   4.1 Electricity connection
   Water treatment plant & Microplastic Capturing
   Land Dev, Shed, Office, Drain, etc
   Health and Safety (sanitation Facilities, lighting, access, fume etc.)
   4.2 Machinery:
   500 KG/Hr. PET Bottles Cold washing
   Bale Machine
   Lab Equipment
   4.3 Office Equipment
5. Initial Raw Material Procurement (30MT per RBU)