In the Industrial belts of Gazipur, a quiet transformation is reshaping the narrative around garment waste in Bangladesh. What was once dismissed as factory scrap has evolved into a thriving circular economy worth hundreds of crores of taka. Discarded cotton cuttings, yarn waste, and jhut from the ready made garment sector are now valuable resources, generating livelihoods, supporting industries, and strengthening export supply chains.

Every day, an estimated ten to twelve thousand tonnes of garment waste flow out of factories across Gazipur and nearby zones. Instead of heading to landfills, these materials are collected, sorted, and traded through a dense network of wholesale markets. Areas such as Tongi Millgate, Kaliakoir, Mauna, and Sreepur have become bustling trade centers, locally known as jhut palli, where thousands of workers earn steady incomes through sorting, processing, and logistics.

Fueling Local Manufacturing

Recycled cotton and yarn from Gazipur feed a wide range of domestic industries. From mattresses and car seats to pillows, mops, floor mats, and carpet backings, these materials form the backbone of low cost manufacturing clusters across Dhaka, Narayanganj, Savar, and beyond. Affordable home textile products like bed sheets and towels are produced in regional hubs, while industrial wiping units in coastal zones serve shipyards and heavy industries.

Rising Global Demand

The appeal of recycled textile inputs now stretches beyond national borders. Garment waste from Bangladesh is increasingly exported to markets such as India, China, Turkey, the United States, and Europe. Export earnings from discarded garment materials have shown steady growth, with industry leaders estimating far greater potential if modern recycling technology and better logistics are adopted.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its success, the sector faces risks linked to informal storage, fire hazards, and governance gaps. Experts believe that structured zoning, safety enforcement, and targeted recycling incentives could unlock its full value.

If guided by smart policy and responsible practices, Gazipur garment waste ecosystem can become a strategic pillar of Bangladesh textile future, turning sustainability into lasting economic strength.