Unilever Bangladesh Limited, in collaboration with Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and Young Power in Social Action (Ypsa), has organised an awareness programme on plastic waste management at Pahartali Girls School and College in Chattogram.

The programme formed part of an initiative undertaken by the three organisations since 2022 to improve plastic waste management across the CCC area.

Under the initiative, three-colour waste segregation bins have been installed at 111 schools and madrasas to help students learn how to separate different types of waste and practise the habit in their daily lives.

The organisers said awareness activities had reached more than 11,500 students. Workshops and other activities have also been conducted with university teachers and students.

Teachers and students receive regular training and support to share information about plastic waste management with their families, friends and communities.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Ruhul Quddus Khan, Factory Director SM Tarek Saifullah and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ypsa Dr Md Arifur Rahman attended the programme alongside representatives of the partner organisations.

During an interaction with students, Ruhul discussed the adverse effects of plastic waste and the importance of proper waste management.

He encouraged students to dispose of plastic waste at designated locations, reduce plastic consumption, segregate waste and participate in clean-up activities.

Alongside educational awareness, the initiative works to strengthen plastic waste collection and management and improve the skills and safety of people employed in the sector.

Operating across all 41 wards of Chattogram city, the initiative has collected more than 35,000 tonnes of plastic waste, the organisers said.

It has also trained 3,000 waste workers and 220 scrap dealers in plastic waste management, occupational health and safety and basic business skills.

Nearly 2,000 waste workers have received safety equipment, while 1,827 have been brought under group insurance coverage.

Door-to-door awareness activities have also reached around 28,000 households with information about waste segregation and responsible plastic waste management.

Representatives of the partner organisations said the activities would continue to encourage young people to play a more active role in protecting the environment.