A ticket to the zoo, paid in plastic

Visitors under 18 get free entry in exchange for 100 grammes of discarded bottles, other waste

At Chattogram Zoo, children can now exchange plastic waste for entry tickets, as part of a campaign to encourage environmental responsibility.

Launched on September 1, the initiative allows visitors under 18 to enter the zoo by handing over 100 grammes of plastic waste instead of paying the regular Tk 70 fee. More than 400 young people have participated so far.

For Naimul Haque, a 10th grader, the experience has changed how he views plastic pollution.

“At first, my friends and I just thought it was a cool hack to get into the zoo for free. But when I started picking up bottles from our neighbourhood alleys and school grounds, I realised how much plastic is just lying around everywhere, ruining our city,” he said, holding a bag of empty bottles. “Handing it over today feels like I actually earned our ticket,” he added.

Fellow 10th grader Biplob Das said the initiative had made him more conscious of waste.

“Now, whenever I see a plastic wrapper or bottle, I think twice. Knowing that my trash is going to be recycled instead of choking the environment makes visiting the animals today feel even more special,” he said.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Jahidul Islam Miah said the campaign aimed to teach children civic responsibility through practical action.

However, the accumulation of plastic waste at the zoo entrance raised concerns about its disposal.

“We were worried initially that if the same plastic ended up back in landfills or washing into nature, we would just be perpetuating the very pollution we are trying to fight,” said zoo curator Dr Shahadat Hossain Shuvo.

To address the concern, the district administration on Monday signed a one-year, non-financial memorandum of understanding with Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).

Under the agreement, YPSA will regularly collect, sort and recycle the plastic gathered at the zoo.

Jahidul said the campaign had also encouraged people in different neighbourhoods to consider organising plastic collection drives.

“Completely halting the use of plastic is impractical. As such, we must ensure proper management, recycling, and safe disposal,” he said.