Evaluation of organic and recyclable waste separation at generation source in ratnapura and kataragama local authorities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Japan International Cooperation Agency implemented a technical cooperation project from 2017 to 2019 in collaboration with Central Environmental Authority (CEA) in Sri Lanka. The project provided technical; and financial assistances in preparing solid waste management plans at selected local authorities, and consequently implemented 3R promotion programs introducing source separation at households and subsequent separate collection by local authorities. Two pilot projects were implemented based on the solid waste management plans which were aimed at reducing the amount of solid waste to be landfilled. This paper described the approaches taken and results obtained through the pilot projects in Ratnapura Municipal Council (RMC) and Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha Town (KPS) of Sri Lanka. The pilot project in RMC consisted of distribution of household compost bins and the separate collection of five categories of waste: 1) biodegradable waste, 2) plastic and polythene, 3) paper and cardboard, 4) glass, metal and coconut shells, and 5) other residual waste; and provision of advices to households by leaflets, distribution of equipment, and implementation of an awareness program. The pilot project in KPS consisted of procurement of separation bins for biodegradable waste by cost-sharing with dis-chargers and the separate collection of three categories of waste: 1) biodegradable waste; 2) recyclables including paper, cardboard, plastic, polyethylene, iron and coconut shells, broken glass and glass bottles; and 3) other residual waste. The post evaluation of waste composition and final discharge amounts at disposal sites indi-cated that pilot projects have contributed to increase 3Rs in both pilot project areas.