Unilever Bangladesh Ltd has stepped up its plastic waste management drive by distributing protective safety equipment to 1,673 waste collectors across Chattogram City Corporation areas, reinforcing its push for safer and more sustainable recycling practices.
The distribution took place at a programme in Chattogram under the company's Plastic Waste Management Initiative, according to a press release.
The safety package includes high-visibility vests, gumboots, rubber gloves, helmets, protective goggles and iron hooks - essential tools designed to reduce occupational hazards and limit exposure to contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
In addition, 170 first-aid boxes were handed over to local scrap shops, commonly known as bhangarwalas, to enable immediate treatment of minor injuries and improve on-site emergency response.
The initiative also broadened its community outreach efforts. Source-segregation awareness campaigns were expanded in schools and madrasas, with three-bin waste segregation systems installed in 50 educational institutions during the event.
The system promotes the separation of organic, recyclable and non-recyclable waste at source, a critical step in improving recycling efficiency.
Earlier phases of the programme saw safety gear distributed to 3,700 waste workers and three-bin systems installed in 61 schools, underscoring the company's continuing investment in structured waste management infrastructure.
To date, the initiative has facilitated the collection of more than 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste, contributing to circular economy efforts and reducing environmental pollution.
