Timeline- September 2018- August 2019
Funded by – Coca-Cola Foundation
Recyclers- Eco Spindles Sri Lanka
Over the years, single use plastic usage has increased causing irreversible damage to the environment. Most of the single use plastic bottles end up in oceans, rivers and wetlands causing damage to the marine life in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the habit of burning plastic due to the lack of waste disposal methods established in the country increases carbon emission causing air pollution.
As a measure to minimise this damage to the environment, The Asia Foundation has facilitated a PET recycling project called ‘Give back life’ to establish waste collection centres in order to encourage proper waste management in Sri Lanka. EFL has joined this project to conduct community awareness and engagement. The four areas selected for this project are Biyagama, Galle, Batticaloa and Vavuniya. It is also carried out in partnership with local government authorities in Sri Lanka.
The overall guidance and supervision on progress and necessary support for policy directives will be given by the Department of Local Government at Provincial level.
The four areas selected for the project
Biyagama
Galle
Batticaloa
Vavuniya
Project outcomes
Improved understanding of the plastics (PET) recycling industry in Sri Lanka
A financially sustainable model designed in each project location
Establish of a PET bottle collecting centre in each project location
Increased community awareness and multiple input streams for collection established
Operational challenges resolved through close monitoring and provision of technical support
Impact evaluated and sustainability of the process enabled in each project location
EFL conducted its first awareness session on 10 January 2019 to the sanitary workers in Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha.
The project concluded on January 2020.
