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Functional compost plant for waste processing.
Youth Climate Champion | Bangladesh
Implementation Period: December 2022 – March 2023
Location: Shibchar, Madaripur, Bangladesh
Focus Areas: Waste Management · Composting · Nature-Based Solutions · Community Engagement · Climate Action
Hasibul Hasan, a passionate youth from Shibchar, Bangladesh, embarked on a mission to tackle waste management challenges in his community. Inspired by the need for sustainable solutions, he initiated the “Greener Initiative to Turn Waste into Compost.” His journey began with identifying the widespread issue of littering and open burning, which not only polluted the environment but also harmed public health.
His project focuses on transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, providing a natural fertilizer for local farmers and reducing the burden on landfills. This initiative not only offers an ecological solution but also fosters community engagement, empowering locals to take ownership of their environment and promoting climate action at a grassroots level.
Functional compost plant for waste processing.
Organic compost generated for agricultural use.
Bins distributed for segregated waste collection.
Significant reduction in environmental pollution.
Engaged volunteers supporting waste management.
Farmers utilizing organic compost for crops.
The project commenced with the construction of a robust compost bunker, designed to efficiently process organic waste. This involved sourcing local materials and engaging community members in the construction process, fostering a sense of ownership.
Following the infrastructure development, a systematic waste collection and processing system was put in place. Households were educated on waste segregation, and regular collections were organized. The collected organic waste undergoes a controlled decomposition process within the bunker, yielding high-quality compost.
Awareness campaigns were a cornerstone of the implementation, reaching schools, local markets, and community gatherings. These campaigns highlighted the environmental and health benefits of proper waste management and the advantages of organic composting. Training sessions were also conducted for volunteers and local farmers on composting techniques and the application of compost in agriculture.
“Before Hasibul's initiative, our streets were often littered, and the smoke from burning waste was a common sight. Now, with the compost bins and the plant, our village is much cleaner. We are also learning how to turn our kitchen waste into something useful for our farms. It’s a complete transformation.”
A key lesson learned is the power of community mobilization and education in driving environmental change. The project's sustainability is ensured through a model where the produced compost is distributed to local farmers, with potential for future sales channels to generate revenue for plant maintenance and expansion. This also encourages continuous engagement from farmers, creating a closed-loop system. The initiative is highly scalable, adaptable to other communities facing similar waste management challenges, proving that local action can have significant regional impact.