Recycling waste gets into gear

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

A special project was inaugurated by the Central Environmental Authority to encourage re-using, recycling and proper waste management among the public while ensuring that the impact to the environment by post consumer plastic and polythene would diminish.

“The ‘Post Consumer Plastic Waste Management Project’ commenced last Monday and the Treasury has allocated Rs. 51 million obtained from the high levy for plastic raw materials. The project will focus on setting up recycle centres, developing a network among recyclers and implement effective education and awareness programmes,” said Jayawilal Fernando, Director of Hazardous Waste Management of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).

The project commenced in Kaduwela where more than 1000 families were given separate bags to put paper, metal and plastic and compost bins to deposit degradable garbage.

The project will be implemented in Gampaha and Colombo districts, and extended to other areas of the country.“This month we will be focussing on the Negombo area and by the end of this year Gampaha, Biyagama and Kesbewa areas will be covered under this project. It would be a continuous project which will cover many parts of the country,” Mr. Fernando said.

He said the custodians of the project were the Pradeshiya Sabhas and Urban/Municipal Councils of the areas with the public needing to be actively involved in supporting this project.