Present Scenario of Plastic-Bottle Waste Recycling Practice in Natore Sadar

The study investigates the current practices of plastic-bottle waste recycling in Natore Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh, focusing on environmental challenges and socio-economic dynamics.Utilizing a structured questionnaire survey conducted from August 2023 to October 2023.Data were collected from 8 shops-comprising 4 processing and 4 collection shops-about shop characteristics, workforce demographics, types and quantities of plastic bottles recycled, and economic aspects.The research identifies three main types of plastic bottles being recycled: pet bottle white (PBW), pet bottle green (PBG), and pet bottle brown (PBB).Variations in shop sizes, workforce details, and wage levels were noted.Collection shops accumulate 500-1000 kg of plastic waste weekly, while processing shops handle 20,000-27,000 kg.Workers in these shops, typically aged 30-40 years, earn between 600 and 700 BDT per day.The study highlights inadequate infrastructure, low wages, and poor working conditions as significant challenges.Environmental concerns such as microplastic pollution and chemical hazards from the recycling process were also identified.To address these issues, the study recommends policy interventions, infrastructure improvements, and awareness programs.These measures aim to enhance recycling efficiency, worker conditions, and environmental safety.The findings underscore the critical need for improved recycling practices and policy support to achieve sustainable waste management in Natore Sadar.