Dhaka City Council Approves New Waste Management Scheme Affecting Residential and Commercial Areas

Dhaka City Council voted unanimously on July 9 to implement a revised waste management scheme that alters collection schedules and introduces differentiated fees for residential and commercial waste services. The policy, passed during the monthly council meeting held at Shahbagh, is expected to take effect from August 1, 2026, affecting more than 8 million Dhaka residents and over 150,000 registered businesses.

The city’s rapidly growing population and expanding commercial sectors have strained the existing waste disposal infrastructure, leading to service delays and environmental concerns. The council identified the need for a sustainable financing model that can maintain daily garbage pickup while addressing budget shortfalls projected in the 2026-27 fiscal year. This vote follows months of public consultation and internal analysis conducted by the Dhaka Municipal Solid Waste Management Authority (DMSWMA).

Impact on Residents and Businesses

For residents, the policy introduces a tiered fee structure based on property size and waste volume. Single-family households in smaller units will pay 15% less than under the previous flat-rate system, while larger apartment complexes with communal bins will see increases up to 20%. This adjustment aims to more closely align fees with actual waste output, according to the city’s published fee schedule.

Commercial customers, including markets, restaurants, and retail shops, will face new charges reflecting waste type and disposal frequency. For example, restaurants generating organic and recyclable waste are required to segregate refuse under the scheme, with penalties imposed for non-compliance. Market vendors in areas such as New Market and Karwan Bazar have expressed concern that higher fees may increase operational costs, potentially trickling down to consumers.

Budget Figures and Service Changes

According to the Dhaka City Council's budget document for 2026-27, the new waste management program will generate an estimated 1.2 billion taka in additional revenue, projected to cover the costs of expanding waste transfer stations and upgrading fleet vehicles. The council reports that investments will include the purchase of 50 new eco-friendly garbage trucks equipped to reduce emissions and expand collection routes into underserved neighborhoods such as Kamrangirchar and Hazaribagh.

The frequency of waste collection in residential areas will increase from three to five days per week in most zones, aiming to reduce overflow and related health hazards. However, some outer-city wards may experience a delayed service start as infrastructure improvements are phased in. These adjustments are expected to directly influence sanitation standards and public cleanliness in Dhaka’s most densely populated sectors.

Local advocates note that while service improvements are a positive step, the fee increases may burden low-income families unless supplemented by subsidy programs. The city council has indicated that it will review impacts after the first six months, specifically monitoring collections in vulnerable communities and industrial zones.

Going forward, the Dhaka Municipal Solid Waste Management Authority will oversee enforcement and customer service related to the new scheme. The authority has established a hotline and online platform to receive resident feedback and report service issues. The council also plans to conduct a public awareness campaign starting late July to educate residents and businesses on waste segregation requirements and fee payment procedures.