Coca-Cola Foundation to fund recycling project

Coca-Cola Foundation, in its effort to mitigate the waste management problems in Dhaka, extended its supporting hand to Cordaid Bangladesh by funding a new project titled "Recycling for the Environment by Strengthening Income & Livelihood of Entrepreneurs- RESILIENT" on September 27.

The project aims to foster the economic and social well-being of waste workers for the safe and dignified collection of plastic waste for recycling. It will support the improvement of knowledge and capacities of the informal waste collectors and associations on creating entrepreneurship and job opportunities for sustainable livelihood through the removal of plastic waste from the ecosystem.

Abdur Rouf Nannu, Ward Councilor of 05 number Ward, DNCC, said, “Waste problem has been a big issue for our city. Apart from environmental issues, waste pollution has created many other health issues for the citizens. Our government has been taking up initiatives to reduce the problem but the involvement of both the public and private sectors can actually bring the change we want to see.”

Saadia Madsbjerg, President, The Coca-Cola Foundation said that “The informal sector plays an important role in waste management in Bangladesh. This project brings valuable resources that will help strengthen the sector by improving business models, knowledge, and capacity.”

It is forecasted that during the 12-month project period, RESILIENT is going to positively impact 420 beneficiaries. Among them, 400 are waste collectors and 20 are waste aggregators from both Dhaka North City Corporation and Narayanganj City Corporation. The project’s target is to recycle 50 tons of plastic waste every month through 6 factories in both City Corporations.