* Experts say plastic recycling reduces dependence on virgin plastic production, which requires fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases. It also minimizes the release of toxic chemicals from decomposing waste, protecting soil and water quality.

DHAKA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Recycled plastic products are playing a growing role in curbing environmental degradation in Bangladesh, particularly in parts of the capital, Dhaka.

In Kamrangirchar, an area in old Dhaka near the Buriganga River, factories are transforming discarded plastic waste into reusable materials such as chips, granules, and pellets. This process helps prevent plastic pollution from entering streets, waterways, and the already heavily polluted Buriganga River.

In the past, plastic litter clogged drainage systems, polluted rivers, and posed serious risks to urban life. Now, local vendors collect waste plastics, diverting them from landfills and natural habitats.

By turning environmental hazards into valuable resources, both businesses and experts say these initiatives are helping reduce pollution, conserve resources, and support a cleaner, healthier environment in a country of about 170 million people.

Aslam Mia, manager of a factory in Dhaka's Kamrangirchar area, oversees a team of around 20 workers. "We purchase recycled plastic chips from the local market and process them into granules. From these, we manufacture new plastic products," he said.

Mia noted that people used to discard plastic bags and chips into rivers, roads, and farmland. "Now, vendors collect and sell this waste, and we buy it to produce PET recycled pellets. This helps the environment and also supports the local economy."

Md Kasem, a recycled plastic trader, explained their process: "First, we remove bottle caps and labels, then wash and cut the plastic. These recycled chips are used to produce pellets, which are then turned into packaging materials, carpets, cotton, yarn, and other products."

"Now, with machinery available locally, we're not only using these materials domestically but also exporting pellets to countries. Reusing plastic bottles is good for the environment and supports national development," he said.

Experts say plastic recycling reduces dependence on virgin plastic production, which requires fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases. It also minimizes the release of toxic chemicals from decomposing waste, protecting soil and water quality.

They further emphasize that this circular economy approach promotes sustainable livelihoods by encouraging communities to view plastic as a resource rather than waste.

Asadullah Al Ghalib, a lawyer with the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, told Xinhua that Bangladesh faces a significant challenge with plastic waste due to rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management.

Plastic recycling is vital for the environment. It reduces waste overwhelming the city, lowers greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the need for new plastic, saves natural resources, and can directly clean up Dhaka's polluted environment by creating useful recycled products, he added.

However, he said its success depends on efficient processes, strong markets for recycled goods, good waste management, and less contamination.

"It's a key tool, but needs to be part of a bigger plan. Recyclers often mix virgin and recycled plastic mainly for business reasons -- better quality, lower costs, and market demand. This weakens the environmental benefits," the expert said.

"Ideally, we should aim for higher quality recycled plastic, stronger regulations, incentives, and producer responsibility to truly make recycling an environmental solution, not just a business one," he added.

He went on to say that current recycling efforts are insufficient, with a large percentage of plastic waste ending up in landfills or polluting the environment.