Plastic use in urban areas tripled in 15yrs: WB

Bangladesh’s annual per capita plastic consumption in urban areas tripled to nine kg in 2020 from three kg in 2005, according to a report by the World Bank (WB).

In Dhaka city alone this amount is 22.5 kg--significantly higher than the national average, according to the report titled ‘Towards a Multisectoral Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management in Bangladesh’.

The report was shared at an event in Dhaka on Monday (December 20). In 2005, the per capita plastic consumption in Dhaka city was 9.2 kg.

"The average per capita plastic consumption in European countries is more than 100 kg--much higher than in Bangladesh. But Bangladesh is one of the top countries with plastic pollution due to mismanagement of plastic waste,” Bushra Nishat, environmental specialist of the World Bank said while presenting the report during the event.

In her opening speech, Dandan Chen, acting Country Director of the World Bank said, “With rapid growth and urbanisation, Bangladesh faced a sharp increase in both plastic use and pollution. The Covid-19 pandemic has escalated the problem of mismanagement of plastic waste.”

The report said that sustainable management of plastic will be crucial for Bangladesh to tackle the increasing plastic pollution and ensure green growth.