Only more public support can restrict thin polythene use

Almost an year into the ban on the use of polythene and although Central Environmental Authority officials continue to conduct random checks, nothing much could be done without more public support to curb the use of thin polythene and plastic products with a thickness of less than 20 microns.

“There were a large number of users and sellers in various areas especially in Colombo and we filed 10 cases with five shop owners being convicted and fined. At present the major difficulty is to crack down on the domestic polythene industry mainly home-based and situated in the suburbs where polythene products is of a thickness less than 20 microns. We are in the process of raiding these industries as well,” CEA Chairman Udaya Gammanpila said.

According to Mr. Gammanpila many Pradeshiya Sabhas have opted for separation and segregation methods over recycling, with the provision of several different bins to dispose plastic, polythene and paper or even glass. He said local authorities in Balangoda, Bandarawela, Weligama, Kaduwela, Gampaha and Negombo were using these methods.

“This is a three-year-programme with an allocation of Rs. 151 million and we are in the process of educating the general public in taking measures to minimize the use and production of environmentally hazardous items. For our part we will conduct regular raids and continue to monitor the progress of the programme,” Mr. Gammanpila said.

“We are yet to reach out to Colombo as it has a huge garbage disposal problem and there is an immediate need for recycling. In carrying out this programme we will also cover major cities but it’s a difficult task without public support,” he said. He said glass could be handed over to the Ceylon Glass Company and the ‘Post-plastic recycling project’ of the CEA has a number of recycling plants/companies where paper and plastic could be handed in. Inquiries and public complaints regarding thin polythene use or production can be made to the CEA hotline 2888999.