By: Md. Hasan Rezaul Karim, Project Coordinator and Noor e Jannat Nitu, Manager, MEAL, BRAC MEAL Department
A remarkable milestone in our collective journey toward formalizing informal scrap dealers: Empowering small-scale women scrap dealers in Cox’s Bazar to emerge as recognized recycling entrepreneurs.
Under the PLEASE Project implemented by SACEP and supported by the World Bank, with implementation support from UNOPS, BRAC has supported 10 female recyclers to strengthen their recycling businesses. This is a significant step forward in promoting women’s participation in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
Before receiving material and financial support, the recyclers participated in a five-day intensive training designed to enhance their technical and business management skills. In Bangladesh — especially in Cox’s Bazar, scrap dealing is largely an informal and male-dominated business, with very few women involved. Recognizing this gap, the project identified motivated women interested in plastic recycling, and worked closely with them through a series of meetings and consultations to co-design a Business Support Package tailored to their needs. The package included: Electric vans for collection and transportation, digital weighing scales, safety gear, first-aid boxes, toolkits, and continuous capacity-building sessions.
This is more than tools — it is systemic recognition. Eight of the ten women have already secured Trade Licenses from Cox’s Bazar Municipality (two in process) and now hold official permissions to operate their vehicles within city limits. These measures reduce harassment at checkpoints, enable fair pricing through accurate weighing, and open pathways to finance and growth.
“We’re not weak. We just don’t get noticed. Give us the tools, and we’ll do the rest.”
Rasheda Begum, Ward 4
Adding to this achievement, the Municipality has also granted official permission for these women to operate their vehicles within the municipal area. Just a few days ago, they often faced challenges from traffic authorities, as their vehicles were not formally recognized. Now, they can ride proudly with legal authorization and official identity – a true symbol of dignity and inclusion in their profession.
Monowara Begum (Ward 7, age 24) runs her business alongside her husband, she manages an advanced scrap operation with baling equipment — a model for the next generation of female recyclers. With a larger scale and van, she transports approximately 500 kg/day, employs two workers, keeps books, and works with Chattogram buyers.
Sumi Dhar (Ward 10, age 30) – Runs a small recycling shop near the Secondary Transfer Station. With better transport access, her daily transport costs have reduced; she now earns 80–90k BDT/month and employs two women.
This success story highlights the power of collaboration between Cox’s Bazar Municipality, BRAC, the PLEASE Project, and the recyclers themselves. Together, they have turned barriers into opportunities, paving the way for empowerment, sustainability, and cleaner cities.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting women’s leadership in the recycling sector proving that with the right support, even the most marginalized can become champions of environmental and social change.