Published: 12:54 AM, 01 September 2026
DSCC launches 'waste-for-goods market' to promote clean city
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), in collaboration with Bidyanondo Foundation, has launched a "waste-for-goods market" initiative to encourage citizens' participation in keeping the city clean, promote proper waste management and support marginalised communities.
DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam formally inaugurated the initiative as the chief guest at a programme held at a field adjacent to Hazaribagh slum in the capital on Monday, UNB reports.
Following the inauguration, local residents of Hazaribagh deposited waste and collected essential commodities, including rice, lentils, edible oil, salt, potatoes and tissue, from temporary stalls.
Addressing the programme, the DSCC administrator said active participation of citizens is essential to building a clean city.
"Waste-for-Goods Market is an effective model to encourage such participation. Dumping plastic and other waste into drains and sewers obstructs water drainage and causes waterlogging. If citizens deposit waste at designated places, both waterlogging and environmental pollution can be addressed," he said.
Announcing plans to expand the public awareness initiative across the city, Salam said a permanent stall will be set up in Gulistan within the next week.
He said initiatives have also been taken to establish one permanent stall in each DSCC ward within the next three to four months.
At the same time, a "Food-for-Books" programme will be introduced at convenient locations of Secondary Transfer Stations (STSs), with chairs, tables and books provided for street children.
Bidyanondo Foundation Executive Director Jamal Uddin said, "Instead of simply helping marginalised people, we are making them partners in keeping the city clean."
Over the past two years, nearly Tk 1 crore has been earned through the sale of plastic waste, he said, adding that the proceeds could provide meals to around 400,000 people.
Under the project, the organisers have set a target of collecting around 100,000 kg of waste through 100 mobile campaigns over the next year.
DSCC Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukder, senior city corporation officials and volunteers of the foundation attended the programme.
