What began as a desperate move to escape poverty has transformed into a powerful story of grit, growth, and green entrepreneurship. Meet Abdul Motin and Runa Begum – an inspiring couple who turned social stigma and financial setbacks into a thriving recycling enterprise in coastal Bangladesh.

With over three decades of experience in waste collection and scrap dealing, Abdul and Runa faced their toughest challenges head-on—from wrongful imprisonment to community neglect. But with determination, and timely support from BRAC’s PLEASE Project, they’ve built not only a successful business but a model for women’s empowerment and circular economy innovation.

Now equipped with an electric van, formal training, and a growing team of female recyclers, they’re doubling plastic recovery rates, cutting costs, and showing their community that waste can create wealth.