Dhaka: South Asian waste management companies, civil society groups, and communities have collectively prevented 10.2 million kilograms of plastic waste from polluting the region's rivers and seas during the past five years. This is roughly equal to the weight of about 2,550 fully grown Asian elephants, according to a message received here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this achievement has been made under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas of South Asia (PLEASE) Project, a multi-country initiative implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). The project has also enabled the recycling of over 626,000 kilograms of plastic waste into useful resources in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
SACEP's efforts through the PLEASE project to transition to a circular plastics economy align with the World Environment Day 2025, which is being observed on June 5. This year's theme, 'Ending plastic pollution globally,' emphasizes the urgent need to manage plastic waste that threatens human health and the environment. The project's outcomes extend beyond intercepting and recycling plastics; it collaborates with companies and civil society groups to reduce plastic use, particularly single-use plastics, and improve plastic waste management in various sectors.
Technical assistance has been provided to several countries' ministries of environment to enhance policy and regulatory frameworks concerning plastics. The project has also focused on improving the working conditions of women involved in informal waste collection, providing training, access to childcare, health services, and safer work environments.
Since its inception in mid-2020, the PLEASE Project has strengthened innovation and coordination of circular economy solutions to combat plastic pollution in South Asian seas. SACEP, established in 1982, functions as an inter-governmental organization to support member countries in their sustainability efforts. The project has found viable solutions tailored to local needs in partnership with various sectors.
In Bangladesh, floating trash barriers deployed in waterways have effectively intercepted plastic waste, safeguarding marine ecosystems. In Bhutan, Clean Bhutan has transformed PET bottles into polyester wool, recycling over 10,000 bottles. Maldives has seen the installation of over 100 water purification machines to reduce plastic bottle waste. Nepal has established a recycling facility for low-grade plastics, processing 10,000 kilograms daily.
In Pakistan, eco-refill stations in Karachi offer sustainable purchasing options, and in Sri Lanka, smart recycling bins provide recycling credits. SACEP has facilitated policy development and regional cooperation on plastic waste management through various forums and roundtable discussions.
The PLEASE project has actively engaged South Asian youth through a Hackathon, generating innovative ideas for reducing plastic waste. As the region's largest initiative against marine plastic pollution, the project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by SACEP with UNOPS support, driving innovation through partnerships and circular economy solutions.