Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) yesterday launched a source segregation initiative to improve waste management in the capital.

DNCC administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan, who attended as chief guest, inaugurated the initiative through distribution of green and yellow waste bins and polybags in the Gulshan area.

“People must develop the habit of disposing of waste in designated bins instead of throwing it on the streets,” Shafiqul said, stressing the need for awareness campaigns through societies, mosque committees, educational institutions, and homeowners’ associations.

“The foundation of proper waste management is separating waste at its source, as clearly mentioned in the 2021 Solid Waste Management Rules. This programme has been launched as part of efforts to increase public awareness,” said DNCC’s chief waste management officer Commodore Mohammad Humayun Kabir.

In the initial phase, DNCC is distributing 500 fibre bins -- 250 green and 250 yellow -- to areas with large public gatherings, including mosques, temples, churches, educational institutions, markets, and terminals. Each bin comes with 100 polybags and instructional labels.

Green bins are designated for organic and biodegradable waste such as leftover food, fruit and vegetable peels, fish and meat waste, leaves, grass, and garden waste. Yellow bins are for inorganic and recyclable waste, including plastic bottles, paper, cartons, glass, metal cans, and dry plastic materials.

The DNCC has instructed residents to separately keep and dispose of wet, dry, sharp and hazardous waste; keep bin lids closed; and avoid dumping waste on roads, drains, or open spaces.

Gulshan Society President Barrister Omar Sadat was also present at the inauguration event.