Waste to Value: Scaling up Waste Collection and Recycling Systems for Reducing Plastic Waste Entering Landfills in Sri Lanka

• To increase plastic waste collection in the selected local authorities
• To increase the plastic feedstock to recycling companies from selected local authorities
• To present the model as a potential Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model which can be adopted in regulations

GIZ Sri Lanka entered into Public-Private Partnership with Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka, Nestle Lanka PLC and Unilever Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited to launch a project for plastic waste management in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The main aim of the project is to reduce the plastic waste leaks into the environement- specially to landfills. The project aims to contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

To reach the aim, project has a 2 way approach.

1. Support the local authorities to increase plastic waste collection and recycling
2. Support private sector to increase plastic waste collection and recycling

In three years, the project aims to deliver below activities:

• Raise public awareness on the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling
• Provide training and education to waste collectors and other value chain actors
• Provide infrastructure, machinery and equipment for local authorities or private collectors for plastic waste sorting
• Link with potential recyclers and support increasing revenue at local authorities

• Awareness and education
• Material recovery facility (MRF)
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Local authorities, Recyclers, community

Conducted baseline survey to understand the plastic waste generation in 49 local authorities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka