Solid Waste Management Transforms Rohingya Camps

Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar hosts the world’s largest refugee camp, home to over a million Rohingya. With limited space and poor waste systems, solid waste, especially plastic and paper, poses serious health and environmental threats.

To tackle this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a Solid Waste Management project, establishing the first sanitary landfill in Camp 20 Extension in 2018. With a capacity of 40,000 cubic metres, it handles up to 12,470 tons of waste and has significantly reduced health risks while creating jobs.

Hares Mia, a Rohingya resident, has worked here for four years under BRAC’s "Cash for Work" scheme. “This job lets me support my family and help my community stay healthy,” he shares. He has received training in waste management, occupational health, and safeguarding.

The site processes 12–15 tons of waste daily from 33 camps. As it nears capacity, land reclamation with small-scale plantations has begun. “We’re turning this into a green space,” says Rubayet Monzur Toha from BRAC’s WASH Programme.

Recognizing the need for expansion, UNDP is constructing a second landfill next to the existing one, with a 60,000-cubic-metre capacity. The project also provides daily work to over 45 Rohingya people.

Camp-in-Charge Ms. Dezy Chakraborty says, “There’s no bad smell here. The waste management system is excellent. Thanks to UNDP and BRAC.”

UNDP is also exploring advanced waste solutions like closed incineration and recycling to manage polythene. “We aim to reduce emissions and even generate energy,” says Deepak K C, UNDP’s Project Development Specialist.

This initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals, good health, clean water, decent work, and sustainable consumption, paving the way for a healthier, greener camp environment.

Turning waste into opportunity as over 45 Rohingya earn daily wages while building a cleaner and greener future through UNDP’s solid waste management initiative in Cox’s Bazar.