Concerted initiative for planned management of municipal solid waste in target provinces in Sri Lanka

An initiative has been made by Government agencies responsible for solid waste management in Sri Lanka with the support of the UN-Habitat to improve poor waste management practices. The existing databases were revised. It is reported that the present collection efficiency is 27.2% out of the generation of 7210 tons/day. The non-biodegradable, including plastic is 382-475 tons/day. Of these, 4933 tons/day is disposed at the point of generation, most of which are burnt. The plastics account for 232 tons/day, emitting dioxins and furans of 10-14kg/day. Therefore, it was necessary to quantify some of the major issues and best practices so as to formulate financial mechanisms to revise the new policy on waste management. An Evidenced Based Informative Database is under construction to enable updating of a Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (CISWMP) and this consists of sub-plans at Local Authority, Provincial Council, and National levels. The National plan aims to substantially improve upon the ways and means of increasing collection efficiency to at least 50%, for safe disposal in landfills and increase recycling to divert waste. It will cost 2.2 USD per capita per annum for 50% of the population above the local taxes.