Cordaid launches plastic recycling pilot in Cox’s Bazar

Cordaid Bangladesh has initiated the Circular Inclusion and Recycling for Local Economies (CIRCLE) project in Cox's Bazar to establish an inclusive and commercially viable plastic waste recycling economy.

The inception workshop took place at Hotel Ocean Paradise in Kolatoli, Cox's Bazar, on Thursday, 25 June.

The eight-month pilot initiative will promote a market-driven, environmentally sustainable plastic waste recycling system in the district.

Cordaid is implementing the initiative with support from the International Labour Organisation under the project "Leaving No One Behind: Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for the Women and Youth in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh," funded by Global Affairs Canada.

CIRCLE will engage 260 waste sector participants across Cox's Bazar, Ramu, Ukhiya and Teknaf municipalities, as well as Rohingya refugee camps 13 and 15. The project will run from April to December 2026.

Abdun Naser Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, attended the event as the chief guest, while Md Saiful Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation, joined as a special guest.

Ruchika Bahl, Head of the International Labour Organisation Project Office in Cox's Bazar, served as the guest of honour and formally inaugurated the workshop.

Douwe Dijkstra, Country Director of Cordaid Bangladesh, delivered the closing address.

The workThe workshop highlighted key challenges in Cox's Bazar's plastic waste system, including the lack of a legal and commercial channel for recyclable plastic recovered from Rohingya refugee camps to enter the host community's markets.o identified weak coordination among institutions responsible for waste governance, as well as a lack of formal recognition, protective equipment and access to financial services for women waste collectors.

CIRCLE wCIRCLE will pilot a camp-to-host material transfer protocol to create a legal and commercial pathway for plastic recovered from camps to enter the host recycling market. The initiative will also strengthen 60 waste aggregation micro, small and medium enterprises through enterprise diagnostics, business coaching, occupational safety and health training certified by the International Labour Organisation, and financial matchmaking with banks and microfinance institutions.

The project will train 200 collectors—at least half of them women—in occupational safety and health standards, financial literacy, and structured engagement with aggregators.

By the time the project concludes, CIRCLE aims to create 100 new green jobs and enable 70 per cent of participants to increase their incomes.

The initiative places gender equality and social inclusion at its core. At least 40 per cent of participants across all components will be women, while female-headed households and persons with disabilities will receive priority in the selection process.

Organisers said improved segregation, safer handling, and the camp-to-host transfer protocol are expected to reduce plastic leakage into Cox's Bazar's waterways and coastal ecosystems.

Ruchika Bahl said the International Labour Organisation has been working in Cox's Bazar for 4 years, focusing on job creation, skills development, and decent work for host communities and the Rohingya refugee population.

She said the CIRCLE initiative would build on earlier investments in tourism, apprenticeship programmes, and skills development.

Abdun Naser Khan said waste should be seen as a signal of untapped economic opportunity and a gap in existing production and market systems.

"This initiative is not just about waste collection or recycling; it is about correcting a broken value chain," he said.

He called on local businesses, community leaders, and municipalities to support Cordaid's work in Cox's Bazar, noting the project could serve as a model for other municipalities and contribute to a nationwide circular economy.

Douwe Dijkstra said the project's success would depend on bringing together government, the private sector, communities, and financial institutions, as this coordination would be essential to its implementation.

He emphasised the initiative would work with existing systems and strengthen their links, rather than establishing parallel structures.

Cordaid Bangladesh stated that the CIRCLE initiative is extending its engagement with waste collectors, aggregators, recyclers, banks, and city corporations to Cox's Bazar, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities.