Feasibility Study and Project Proposal Development Solid Waste Management Scheme, Cox Bazar, Bangladesh

The proposed project aims to provide a comprehensive solid waste solution for both the greater Kutapalong camp and nearby host communities driven by the collection, processing and remanufacture of plastic into useful and saleable items for both the camp and host communities. The project involves:

• Waste collection and sorting within Greater Kutapalong Extension Camp possibly making use of sites used for faecal sludge processing

• Waste would be sorted into organics, usable plastic, and other recyclable materials with the remainder needing to go to landfill

• Suitable organic material would be processed into compost for kitchen or community gardens and possibly combined with the processed product from faecal sludge treatment plants

• Plastics and other recyclable materials would be transported to a processing centre probably outside or on the edge of camp

• Nonrecyclable material would be transported to landfill

• Plastic waste would be processed either to be shipped to out of Cox’s Bazar or preferably manufactured into items useful to the camp population such as posts, pavers or other items

• A parallel collection and sorting scheme would occur within the host community to increase the benefits of the scheme to the host community and ensure a sustainable supply of waste

• The processing facility could also take product from other collection and sorting schemes run by other agencies working with the camp or host communities.

• Plastic material could also be purchased from existing local recycling businesses

The scheme will provide numerous employment and livelihood opportunities for both camp and host communities including supporting existing host community businesses that have been negatively impacted by the population influx. The objectives of the consultancy are to conduct a feasibility study and develop a detailed project proposal of the proposed concept outlined above. The feasibility study is to assess the practicality and viability of the solid waste management project for the camp and host communities of the greater Kutapalong camp extension. If the concept of the project is deemed viable then the information collected can be used to develop a detailed project proposal and business plan including assessments of the livelihood’s opportunities for the camp and host communities and impacts on existing recycling and waste management businesses.

The study includes:

• A waste inventory of the camp and host community to determine the likely volumes and characteristics of the different waste types

• An assessment current waste infrastructure and solid waste management systems in both the camp and host communities including projects planned by government and other agencies, including the likelihood of the construction of a suitable landfill and the likely impacts of the proposed project on local and national recycling systems and businesses

• An assessment of the acceptability of the scheme to local, regional and national government including a review of the regulatory environment including government regulations and strategic plans concerning solid waste management.

• An assessment of key actors within the humanitarian, NGO, nonprofit and private sector and determine their potential impact on the proposed project including possible beneficial linkages and partnerships

• Investigation into the availability of land for processing and factory sites

• An assessment of the sustainability of the proposed project i.e. ongoing waste supply, the potential market for finished products and the availability of other revenue streams

• A description of the potential employment and livelihood opportunities of the project and its possible broader macroeconomic impact

• An assessment of the plant and machinery required and a review its cost and availability including shipping and set up costs

• An assessment of the environmental impact of the project including environmental gains and loses compared to the current situation.