Since 2017, more than one million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) have sought shelter in Cox’s Bazar. Predominantly Rohingya refugees, they live in densely populated settlements, with a population that has grown well past initial predictions.
As a development partner to the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP is working to meet the needs of this growing population of FDMN camps—including the need for hygienic and efficient waste management. The sheer scale of waste generated daily throughout the camps—approximately 120 tons—poses environmental and health risks if left unmanaged.
UNDP’s work includes establishing a temporary sanitary landfill site that serves 26 camps, accommodating more than 830,000 people. UNDP also supports the host communities in Teknaf municipality and surrounding areas for solid waste management interventions.
Supporting healthy waste management
RedR Australia roster member Deepak is a highly experienced waste management and water, health and sanitation (WASH) expert, with nearly two decades’ experience working across Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Currently a project development specialist at UNDP, he plays an important role in advancing solid waste management (SWM) and other environmental initiatives in Cox’s Bazar. He is responsible for developing UNDP’s SWM and environment portfolio to support their efforts in both the camps and host communities. This involves proposal development, donor engagement, project implementation and coordination with local government bodies. “I am working with municipality and other relevant stakeholders to explore possible ways to ensure proper solid-waste management,” said Deepak.
Deepak is also working towards a more circular economy to reduce waste and improve livelihoods. “We aim to develop the circular economy while developing entrepreneurship in the area,” he said. “This will help young people to generate business. The idea of public-private partnership will be vital to create sustainable solutions for waste management.”
Through strong partnerships and innovative solutions, Deepak aims to create sustainable systems for managing waste.
Waste is a precious resource
Deepak says we need to think differently about waste—we need to see it as a valuable resource, not a problem. He advocates for the ‘4R approach’: reduce, reuse, recycle and recover.
"Less than 10 percent of the waste is real waste," he said. "We can recover most of the things from waste, such as compost from organic waste, and recyclable and reusable items."
By creating new solutions that encourage the 4R approach, communities can improve health outcomes, boost livelihoods and reduce landfill.
Deepak worked as a WASH specialist with UNICEF, supporting the establishment of a safe water supply in Cox’s Bazar. Bangladesh, 2023.
Playing the long game to build healthy communities
Deepak’s advice for those looking to work in waste management is clear: passion and patience are essential.
"It is not a single shot or one day’s activity. Rather, it’s applying a continuous and impactful effort," he said. Meaningful change takes time, and practitioners must be prepared to face the complexity and challenges of diverse communities.
Proper waste management minimises pollution and reduces the risks of disease outbreaks, helping to create a sustainable—and hopefully thriving—environment.
"Solid waste management is crucial to protect the environment and promote public health," Deepak said. "The ultimate goal is to ensure public health through a healthy and livable planet."
Deepak’s work with UNDP is helping to achieve these outcomes. By developing circular economy models within waste management, we can not only reduce environmental harm but also generate resources and economic opportunities for communities.
Learn more about the work of RedR Australia’s roster members.
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