Content uploaded by Lal Mervin Dharmasiri
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Lal Mervin Dharmasiri on Jun 02, 2020
Content may be subject to copyright.
Waste management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and opportunities
72 | P a g e
Waste Management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and Opportunities
Lal Mervin Dharmasiri
Abstract
Most of the developing countries face the problem of managing waste properly. In 2012, cities world over, generated
1.3 billion tons of solid waste per year, amounting to a footprint of 1.2 kilograms per person, per day needless to state
that with rapid population growth and urbanization, the municipal waste generation is expected to increase to 2.2
billion tons (MT) by 2025. Inadvertently, with the current trends continuing, it is likely to rise from 3.5 MTs to 6 MTs
per day with, each person generating around 0.64 kg waste per day in Sri Lanka with an estimated 4.8 billion MT of
waste collected per annum in the country. The main objective of this study is to examine the present situation of solid
waste management in Sri Lanka whilst in determining the nature and extent of the problem, thereby identifying the
challenges and opportunities towards maintaining a sustainable waste management system in the country. As a
result, the study has identified several challenges, of which the absence of waste segregation, poor waste collection
mechanisms and the lack of public commitment on waste management, to be some of the underlying causes of the
prevailing issue. Thus, the prevailing system on waste collection, transportation and disposal aspects is nevertheless
believed to be an issue that needs to be resolved. This is due to the lack of education and awareness amongst the
public on waste management, the lack of technical knowledge and the absence of applying 3R principles. In this
context, awareness through education and a changing in attitude of the public may be suggested as precautionary
methods towards maintaining a sustainable waste management system. The participation of the public is to be
quoted as essential, and it should be borne in mind, that this is not a feat that can be accomplished via a limited
operation, but rather one which needs to be continued and maintained through ongoing efforts, in keeping the
menace at a minimum. Thus, a new model for waste management is required for collection, transportation and the
disposal of waste, which should not be harmful to the society nor to the environment. The existing waste
management policy of the country should be further developed by considering the concept of zero waste, alternative
waste management approaches like waste to energy, sanitary landfills and the acceleration of composting
methodology, thereby leading the pathway towards enhanced sustainability.
Keywords: Waste management, segregation, zero waste and sustainability.
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol. – 9 No. 1, 2019
73 | P a g e
Introduction
Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a major issue in developing economies and priority should be given
to overcome this issue, due to the rapid growth of population as well as the increase of waste in
developing countries. Although the quantity and quality of solid waste generated by urban areas in
developing countries is low in comparison to the Western developed and industrialized countries notable
in the west, municipal solid waste management still remains inadequate (Llic and Nikolic, 2016).
However, developed countries continuously apply varied approaches, notably composting, land filling and
waste to energy processes to overcome issues. In this respect, it is appropriate to examine the strategies
that have applied to overcome the issue.
Waste is any subsistence materials derived from ‘primary use’ or a ‘useless defective’. Solid Waste (SW)
or ‘garbage comprises’ of unwanted and discarded materials from houses, street waste, commercial and
industrial operations. An increase in the urban population and the rapid change life styles, lead to the
generation of solid waste. Generally, solid waste is heterogeneous in nature, for instant refuse of
vegetables, food items, paper, plastics, rags, glass and glass. If solid waste is disposed of, on land, in
open areas, then it causes a negative impact on the environment, ground water and on health (Mundhe,
Jaybhaye & Dorik, 2014). ‘Waste’ has value for someone at the same time in which it doesn’t for another.
If it is possible to convert ‘waste’ to value, then no more would a ‘waste problem’ persist in the world.
Most of the countries in the world, in particular, developing countries, face the problem of the proper
management of solid waste within their territories. It has been creating different complications by the likes
of diseases, unbearable stench, fire hazards, atmospheric and water pollution, aesthetic nuisance,
together with social and economic losses. There have been many tragic situations of collapsing of waste
dumps in several countries including in Ethiopia and Sri Lanka. Many have pointed out, that, developing
countries do not possess the appropriate technology, furthermore, the lack of a proper management and
leadership become the major defects of SW management in these countries.
Around the world, the generation of waste is increasing. The amount of waste generated by a country is
proportional to its population and the mean living standards of the people (Grossmann et al., 1974).
Furthermore, Medina (1997) indicated that the waste generation rates have a close relationship with the
income levels of people. In addition, socio economic factors such as persons per dwelling, cultural
patterns, education, and personal attitudes also play a role (Nilanthi Bandara, 2008). In 2012, the worlds’
cities generated 1.3 billion tons of SW per year, amounting to a footprint of 1.2 kilograms per person per
day. With rapid population growth and urbanization, municipal waste generation is expected to rise to 2.2
billion tonnes (BT) by 2025. If the current trends continue, we are likely to go from 3.5 MTs to 6 MTs per
day by that point. In South Asia, approximately 70 BT of waste is generated per year, with per capita
values ranging from 0.12 to 5.1 kg per person per day and an average of 0.45 kg/capita/day (World
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Waste management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and opportunities
74 | P a g e
Bank). The continuous indiscriminate disposal of SW is accelerating and is linked to poverty, poor
governance, urbanization, population growth, poor standards of living, low level of environmental
awareness (Rachel et al., 2009; Ogu, 2000) and the inadequate management of environmental
knowledge. However the waste generation rates will more than double, over the next twenty years in low
income countries.
Even though human health and safety have become major concerns over waste management in the past,
at present, society demands more than expected as in the past. Society expects sustainable waste
management, which incorporates feedback loops, is focused on processes, embodies adaptability and
diverts wastes from disposal. At a policy level decision making process, environmental consideration has
played a major role in this sustainable system. Transitioning from a traditional unsustainable system to a
sustainable waste management requires to identify and apply of leverage points which effect change
(Jeffrey K. Seadon, 2010). Failure to do so may lead to ill-designed solutions that may not be effective
enough to give any productive and sustainable results in waste management. Therefore, a system is
required to control the generation, storage, collection, transport or transfer, processing and disposal of
solid waste materials in a manner that best addresses the range of public health, conservation, economic,
aesthetic, engineering, and other environmental considerations.
Objectives
The major objective of this paper is to examine the present situation of the SW management in Sri Lanka
and to identify the challenges and opportunities in maintaining a sustainable SWM system in Sri Lanka. In
addition, alternative strategies will be identified for better SWM in the country.
Waste Issue in Sri Lanka
Waste has become an issue in the absence of or a weak management system for collection, transporting
and disposal. Waste generates mostly at a household level while the rest is generated from industries.
The waste problem is not a major issue in rural and sub-urban areas, where, space is available for the
disposal of waste unlike in urban areas of the country. It is a significant issue in the urban areas,
especially, in the western province of the country.
A survey on waste amounts and Composition Surveys (WACS) conducted by the University of
Peradeniya in 2014, revealed that, nearly three fourth of total waste is generated from kitchens. It must be
noted that, more than 85 percent of total waste is degradable at the source. Table no 01 shows the
composition of waste collection at the point of waste generation in Sri Lanka. However, the figures differ
with the study conducted by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) in 2014. Figure 01 shows the
waste composition of Sri Lanka.
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol. – 9 No. 1, 2019
75 | P a g e
Table 01: Waste amount and composition in Sri Lanka
Category
% in wet basis
Kitchen waste
Garden waste
Paper and cardboard
Soft plastics
Hard plastics
Textiles
Rubber and leather
Metal
Glass
Ceramics
Hazardous wastes
E waste
Miscellaneous
74.6
4.8
7.8
4.2
0.9
1.0
0.4
0.9
1.7
0.5
0.4
0.2
2.7
Source; Waste amount and Composition Surveys (WACS), 2014
A similar study conducted by the CEA also pointed out that, the waste composition of the source at the
generated point is more or less comparable with the study done by the WACS. According to Fig. 01,
about 62 percent of the waste is categorized as bio-degradable, while 7 and 6 percent belong to paper
and wooden items which also fall under bio-degradable waste respectively. Altogether three fourth of
waste could be categorized as bio-degradable which is capable of being decomposed by the action of
microorganisms. This study further identified that, about 6 and 2 percent of waste are polythene & plastics
and glass items which fall under non-degradable waste respectively. Non-degradable waste like
polythene and plastic do not break down for several decades, if not centuries, and have a general
tendency to poison the ecosystem, as they are petroleum based.
Fig. 01: Waste composition in Sri Lanka
Source; Central Environmental Authority (2014)
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Waste management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and opportunities
76 | P a g e
Sri Lanka has 309 local authorities of which 15 are Municipal Councils, 37 are urban councils and 257 are
Pradeshiya Sabas manage the SW. Approximately Sri Lanka generates 7,000 MT of solid waste per day.
Most of the waste generated in the Colombo Municipal Council which is the largest local government
authority in Sri Lanka covers a resident population of over 600,000. The following table shows waste
generation by different local authorities of the country.
Table 02: Daily waste collection
Provinces
Kg’s p/p
Colombo Municipal Council
Municipal Councils
Urban Councils
Pradeshiya Sabas
0.80
0.75
0.60
0.40
Average
0.64
Source; Central Environmental Authority (2014)
According to Table 02, each person generates about 0.64 kg’s per day, in Sri Lanka. It is higher in urban
areas such as Colombo and Gampaha. Most PS do not collect all the waste generated in their territories
but only a part of it is collected. It may be estimated that about 4.8 billion MT of waste is collected per
annum in Sri Lanka. However, the actual figure may be higher than the given figure. Table 03, shows the
waste collection of the country by provinces.
Table 03: Provincial level waste collection and Disposal sites
Table 03, shows the provincial level waste generation, collection and the final disposal sites in Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, more than half of the total waste is collected by the Western province. Even though the
Western province generates 33% of the total waste, it collects more than 52% of the total waste of the
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol. – 9 No. 1, 2019
77 | P a g e
country. All other provinces contribute less than 10% each. The Uva province occupies the lowest share
of waste generation amounting to 6% while the Eastern, Central, North central and Southern Provinces
produce more than 7% each of the total waste of the country.
According to Table 03, it was estimated by the University of Moratuwa and the National Solid Waste
Management Support Centre (NSWMSC), that 3,458 tons of SW are collected from the island per day. In
the Western province, 1,800 tons of SW are collected per day. However, another study conducted by the
CEA, revealed that, the total collection of solid waste by local authorities in Sri Lanka is around 2900 tons
per day (CEA, 2014). Another study conducted by Hikkaduwa, and others of the University of Moratuwa
(2016), titled “Sustainable Approaches to the Municipal Solid Waste Management in Sri Lanka”
suggested the collection of solid waste by all local bodies amounts to 3423 MT per day. Approximately
60% (1663 tones) of the total waste is collected in the Western Province, which is approximately 30
percent of the total population in Sri Lanka.
It is an interesting fact that, at present, a total of 349 sites have been selected for the final disposal of
waste by the local government authorities in the country. The waste is being dumped openly at these
sites without a systematic manner. It doesn’t provide a total solution for waste and also doesn’t care
about the environmental concerns. However, some of sites have being recycling but it doesn’t function in
a proper manner.
The Responsibilities of Waste Management in Sri Lanka
The responsibility of waste collection from its generated point to disposal sites are vested in local
government authorizes such as Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), Town Councils (TC) and Municipal councils
(MC). In Sri Lanka 111 local authorities function through the elected members of the particular area.
These authorities are responsible for the collection, transportation and the disposal of solid waste in a
proper manner. The following table shows the range of waste collected by a number of local authorities.
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Waste management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and opportunities
78 | P a g e
Table 04: Different ranges of daily SW collection [tones/day]
Ranges [Tones/ Day]
Number of local authorities
Up to 1
1-2
2-5
5-10
10-20
20-50
50-100
110-150
>150
111
48
76
26
23
19
5
2
1
Total number of local authorities
111
Source; Central Environmental Authority (2014)
It is clearly indicated in the Municipal Council Ordinance in 1947, the Urban Council Ordinance in 1939
and the PS Act in 1987. In addition, all disposal activities should be handled according to the National
Environment Act No 47. However, several ministries are also responsible for waste management in the
country. They are the local government and provincial councils, Mahaweli Development and Environment,
and Megapolis and Western Development. The Western province has a separate arm to handle solid
waste within their province. Apart from the Ministries, several authorities like the Central Environmental
Authority and the Urban Development Authority are also responsible for policy making, providing training,
and equipment to the local government authorities.
Furthermore, the relevant ministry of the provincial councils has the overall responsibility for the
enforcement of rules and regulations in the provinces. Furthermore, they are also responsible to regulate
the operation of and the transportation and processing of Municipal Solid Waste together with the
management of final waste disposal facilities of waste without being a nuisance to the general public
and/or to the flora and fauna of the Province.
Several waste management steps have already been identified by the Waste Management Authority, of
the Western Provincial Council (See; Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules-2005) for the better
handling of and the cleaning of the environment of their area. They are as follows;
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol. – 9 No. 1, 2019
79 | P a g e
Properly Manage the SW at Source i.e. segregation, reduction, reusing and recycling and
prohibiting the dumping of solid waste on streets or public places and open burning of wastes are
being considered.
Proper Collection/Acceptance of MSW from the Source of Generation.
Cleaning of Streets and Public Places.
Abolition of Open MSW Storage Bins . The abolishing of open storage waste bins from main
roads, public places and the introducing of close type of appropriate waste receptacles.
Improving a System for Mass Transportation of MSW. Under which the prohibition of waste
transportation in open vehicles and the optimizing of the efficiency of the vehicle usage for waste
transportation are considered.
Treating the Collected MSW as a “Resource”. Encouraging the recovering of resources from
collected MSW through the re-using of MSW for composting, Power generation, and production
of biogas, bio-fuel, electricity, bio-gas and the use of state of- the- art technologies together with
re-cycling.
Improving a System for the Final Disposal of MSW. The establishing of engineered and/or
sanitary landfills and the use of state- of- the- art technology for such events at a zonal and/or
regional level.
The Challenges of Waste Management in Sri Lanka
One of the biggest problems in Sri Lanka is to manage the management of SW in a sustainable manner.
The prevailing system of waste collection, transportation and disposal are yet to be resolved. It is
possible to identify these issues which are discussed below as the challenges of WM in Sri Lanka.
Waste segregation: Segregation is the systematic process that waste is separated into different
types. It can be done manually at a household level or mechanically. Basically, waste could be
divided as dry and wet waste. Then, it could be further divided into solid waste, bio-degradable,
non-biodegradable, toxic waste and recyclable waste. Thus far, we do not have a proper system
or the proper practice of segregation at the generation or collection points. Every individual has
the responsibility to practice such a segregation system. Nevertheless, only a few are practicing
it.
Waste collection and transport: Waste collection, storage and transporting of waste are
essential elements of any WM system and can be major challenges in towns and cities. As
mentioned above, the collection of SW is done by the PS, TC and MCs. All 111 local bodies have
been collecting waste to keep their territories clean. The Waste Management Authority (WMA) of
the Western Province is responsible for more than 60% of the total waste collection of the
country. The Collection of waste from house to house and entire industries, commercial areas
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Waste management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and opportunities
80 | P a g e
and public areas have to be transported and unloaded either into processing sites or sanitary
landfills by the above authorities. However, it has not been done in a proper and sustainable
manner.
Waste disposal: The absence of a proper arrangement for the disposal of garbage in towns and
cities create many more challenges in the face of financial, technical and administrative
incapacities of the relevant local bodies. Be it from an individual, to institutions or Ministries
related to WM should play a role in this regard. A few sanitary landfills and organic composite
yards are available for the sustainable disposal of garbage. Unfortunately at present, solid waste
is collected in a mixed scale and disposed of in environmentally sensitive areas, such as,
abundant arable land, marshy land, forests, wild life habitats, near water bodies, isolated hilly
areas and so on. Most of the local bodies collect garbage and dump it at open lands which create
many problems.
Pollution: Different types of pollution arises when the waste collected in dumping sites keeps
rotting, spreading odour, contributing to water and soil pollution, and numerous health related
problems in addition to the aesthetic pollution which is caused in the surrounding areas. Most of
the dumping sites are located in open spaces. They are burnt sometimes and this causes the
emission of toxic gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide which create health issues.
Garbage from the household and other sources falls into rivers and water bodies. It makes the
water of the water bodies polluted. The blocking of the drainage system in towns and cities create
breeding sites for mosquitoes and other vectors which spread diseases such as Malaria, Dengue,
Filarial and contributing to numerous other health problems. In addition, the improper spreading
of garbage from place to place and dumping it thus, could increase the population of flies and rats
which create many more health issues.
Increasing garbage at households, outside and/ or water bodies have become a serious problem
to the air, water and soil. Accordingly, the physical properties of the soil could change, and
thereby the growth of plants and other factors affecting soil nutrition adversely.
An inappropriate and unsustainable dumping of waste would also destroy or reduce the worth of
the aesthetic value and the scenery and beauty of the surrounding areas.
Institutional set-up: Several authorities i.e. Local government authorities, the Waste
Management Authority, the Central Environment Authority, the Ministry of Environment, the
Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development have been dealing with the SW management in
the country. Additionally, several projects were also set up to support and to manage the SW
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol. – 9 No. 1, 2019
81 | P a g e
issue in Sri Lanka. The lack of coordination between institutions, the lack of Institutional
capability with technical expertise and the lack of adequate funds are some issues in the system
at large.
Public commitment: The literacy rate of Sri Lankans is much higher than that of other
developing countries. It means that literate people should work in a systematic manner in relation
to WM. At the onset, at the school level all students were given training in the systematic practice
of WM in their surrounding environment. Unfortunately, when they became adults, most of them
do not follow the principles of WM. It has become a serious issue in the country.
Political arena: There is a lack of commitment in most of the parties that are involved in WM in
the country. Many obstacles arising when the ruling party of a particular local body work on the
waste issue. Simultaneously, the same can be applied in a different way which arises when the
opposition takes over in the same local body. Ultimately, the issues of WM remain stagnate in
most of the local bodies.
The challenges therein would be able to be overcome with the commitment of the collaborative
attendance of the public and private sector, government interference and the mindset change of the
people of the country. The following opportunities may be useful to overcome the identified challenges of
WM in Sri Lanka.
Opportunities of Waste Management of Sri Lanka
Education and awareness: Knowledge from education and awareness has been seen as a key
factor affecting environmental action. It is a vital fact that, environmental knowledge plays a
significant role in changing the environmental activities and human behavior. A change in habits,
behavior and the participation of the people on ‘what do you/ people think about waste’ is a
significantly important aspect of solid WM. As all know, most information and practices about WM
start at school and influence their households. The WM process at a school level is focused on
keeping the environment clean and recycling the bio-degradable items. This process would help
increase awareness and attitudes towards solid WM among children and their parents.
Improvement of technical knowledge: The adoption and transfer of the technologies of WM
either from developed countries to local level authorities and people who are responsible for WM
at the grass root level would be immensely beneficial for better practice. Technical aspects for a
WM would have to be taken into account, in many points, from bottom to top, for planning and the
implementation of different activities. The provisions of a better technical knowledge would
directly support sustainable WM practices in the country.
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Waste management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and opportunities
82 | P a g e
Application of 3R principles: The principles of 3R i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle can be applied
in an acceptable manner to cut down on the amount of waste people throw away. The simple
logic behind the principle is easy to understand, if there is less waste, then there is less waste to
recycle or reuse. Any items that can be used again for another purpose or in a different way is
called ‘reuse’. People can reuse most items such as plastic bags, furniture, toys and repair some
broken items that they used. On the other hand, they can sell or give it to others for charity.
Recycling is a process which will be transformed again into raw materials that could be shaped
into a new product. All materials could be recycled or transformed except for a few items in the
world. About 38% of the waste such as glass, paper, wood items and so on could be transformed
into recyclable items in Sri Lanka.
Waste segregation: Waste segregation is essential as the amount of waste being generated
causes many problems. Most of the bio-degradable waste could be transformed into fertilizers
and only a small proportion of the waste has to be discarded. Unfortunately, the bulk of waste is
not being segregated yet by the responsible people and the quantity of waste would be much
higher. In particular, household waste can be separated into different baskets for the different
categories of waste such as degradable and non-degradable which should be disposed
separately.
Attitudinal change: Waste could be identified as ‘two sides of a coin’, which highlights the idea
of the environment as a gift and a responsibility. People were open-minded about the
environmental impact on improper waste management. Everybody should understand that waste
is from nobody, it belongs to everybody. Therefore, everybody has a responsibility to manage
waste in a proper manner.
Independent authority: At present, there are many institutions which deal with WM in Sri Lanka.
Therefore, a strong and independent authority is required to regulate WM if WM is to improve and
be kept in a sustainable manner in the country. The absence of clear regulation and enforcement
will make deter in a timely and in a proper manner. The WM sector needs to include attractive
and profitable business models with clear performance requirements imposed, with financial
penalties applied when WM services are not working effectively.
Adequate funds: Finance for WM authorities and funding for other WM activities should be
raised through Waste Management Tax (WMT) which comes through the Polluter Pay Principle
(PPP). According to the policy, tax amount should be paid by all the polluters for covering the
expenditure on keeping the environment clean and fair. An average WMT of 1 Rupee per
transaction of non-degradable wrapped items sold by merchants to buyers would generate a
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol. – 9 No. 1, 2019
83 | P a g e
huge amount of money and the collected funds could be used for proper waste management in
Sri Lanka. In addition, the PPT policy could be applied to the person who violates the waste
management system of a particular city.
Alternative strategies: Several alternative strategies are being implemented by the respective
authority in the country. Zero waste, Waste to Energy, sanitary landfills and large scale
composting. At present there are several landfills in the process of constructed at Aruwakkaru,
Keeramale, Medirigiriya and Keerakkulama. In addition, two waste to energy project plants of 10
megawatts each, to incinerate, commenced in the Western province. The Ministry of local
government is also establishing several mega composting machines in selected districts.
Alternative Strategies for better WM practice
It is an important fact that the education on WM should be further expanded for all the sectors which start
at the kindergarten schools. The role and responsibilities of WM of each individual should be
communicated and instructed in a proper way. It may be one way of forming responsible citizens who
manage waste as resources whilst applying 3R principles and creating a zero waste or waste less society
in the future.
It is a vital requirement that WM must involve waste segregation at sources such as households, market
or industries to allow more efficient value extraction and recycling. It should be separated into dry/ wet or
bio degradable/ non-degradable etc. Then, the waste would have significant benefits for waste collectors
and the people who are involved in the WM field. Innovative and practical waste management regulations
could be imposed. The WM sector needs to include attractive and profitable models with financial
penalties from polluters and WM discipline breakers. Then, the WM services include collection, transport
and disposal which will be sustained effectively and efficiently.
Short term and long term comprehensive WM planning requires to overcome WM issues in the country.
Private sector involvement should be strengthened for most of WM activities. Local level provincial
councils and the Ministry of Local Government could monitor and evaluate the WM practices. To achieve
the targets, training and capacity building is required from the grass root to the top level people who are
engaged in WM.
Conclusion and recommendations
The quantity of generated waste is continuously increasing due to the growing population and increase in
development. The Modern way of life has led to serious waste problems in the country. Easy products
require more packaging and the habits of the people are also associated with generating larger quantities
of waste, discarded wrappers from inevitable fast foods. Modern day waste contains a higher proportion
of non-degradable materials which have caused an acute waste issue. The problem has further
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Waste management in Sri Lanka: Challenges and opportunities
84 | P a g e
worsened due to the extensive use of plastic products such as plastic bottles. Despite the huge amounts
of waste produced, the standards of waste management in the country are still poor. These include
outdated and poor management of waste and, the inefficient handling, collection, transportation, disposal
of hospital wastes and hazardous waste together with the dumping of wastes. Waste at the roadside,
drains blocked up with garbage and plastic items and rivers filled with filthy garbage indicate that, solid
waste is a major environmental problem in Sri Lanka.
This situation has diminished the environmental quality to sustain life. If the present rate of solid-waste
production goes on without a proper waste management system, there will be significant negative
impacts on the quality of the environment. In addition, the inadequate awareness and knowledge about
solid waste management issues, and the ignorance of the effect of improper SWM has definitely
worsened the problem.
Sri Lanka needs a long-term goal to establish a sustainable and effective SWM that are cost effective,
economically viable and environmentally sound. Strategies that have been recommended for waste
minimization are part of the waste management hierarchy and involve 3R principles such as reduce,
reuse and recycle.
The situation could be managed in a sustainable manner through several implications. Providing
awareness from schools up to the higher education level in different scales and standards would be ideal.
It may be able to change the attitude and awareness of the masses through formal and informal
education.
The appropriate technical knowledge and equipment should be provided to the local government
institutes. Technical training is also an essential component for the people who practically engage in
SWM at the field. WM requires not only technological knowledge but also public participation, consultation
and stakeholder mutual understanding and dialogue on activities.
Waste segregation is a vital part of SWM and attention should be paid to impart all stakeholders to follow
the principles of waste segregation. It should be practiced from the household level to the top level
institutions of the country.
It is necessary to establish an apex independent institution to regulate SWM in the country. The institution
should control all other institutions which deal with SWM. The institution could apply a good market model
for managing SW in a profitable manner. The Legal framework should also be established to raise the
required additional funds for the efficient management of the institution and also the PPP would be an
ideal concept to strengthen SWM.
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/
Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies Vol. – 9 No. 1, 2019
85 | P a g e
The available WM policy of the country should be further developed by considering the concept of zero
waste, with alternative WM approaches like waste to energy, sanitary landfills and accelerating
composting methodology which is required to manage the waste in a sustainable manner.
References
Central Environmental Authority (2014) ‘Present status of solid waste management and challengers for change’
[Online Web: Accessed on 20th April, 2019],
http://www.cea.lk/web/images/REEB/Present_Status_of_SWM_2.pdf
Daniel Hoornweg and Perinaz Bhada-Tata WHAT A WASTE: A Global Review of Solid Waste Management.
The World Bank. March 2012, No. 15, [Online Web: Accessed on 13th March, 2019],
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/17388
Data Collection Survey on Solid Waste Management in Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Final Report.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd. [Online Web: Accessed on
2nd March, 2019], http://open_jicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12250213.pdf
Hikkaduwa, H.N.; Gunawardana, KW; Halwatura, RU; Hee, H “Sustainable Approaches to the Municipal Solid
Waste Management in Sri Lanka” [Online Web: Accessed on 20th March, 2019],
URI: http://dl.lib.mrt.ac.lk/handle/123/11569
Grossmann, D.,Hudson, J. F., & Marks, D. H. (1974). Waste generation models for solid waste collection. Journal
of the Environmental Engineering Division, 100, 1219–1230.
Jeffrey K. Seadon, (2010), Sustainable waste management systems, November Journal of Cleaner
Production 18(16):1639-1651, [online Accessed on 12nd November, 2019],
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/245168221_Sustainable_waste_management_systems
Llic, M., and M. Nikolic. (2016), Waste management benchmarking: A case study of Serbia. Habitat Int. 53:453–
460. doi: 10.1016/j.habitatint [online Accessed on 02nd November, 2019],
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10962247.2016.1229700
Medina, M. (1997). The effect of income on municipal solid waste generation rates for countries of varying levels
of economic development: A model. Journal of Resource Management and Technology, 24(3), 149–155,
1997.
Mundhe, Jaybhaye & Dorik (2014), Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management of Pune City using
Geospatial Tools, International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 100– No.10,
August 2014
Nilanthi J.G.J. Bandara ,(2008), ‘Municipal Solid Waste Management – The Sri Lankan Case’ Paper Presented at
Conference on Developments in Forestry and Environment Management in Sri Lanka. [Online Web:
Accessed on 20th March, 2019], http://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/fesympo/article/view/21/17
Ogu, V.I., (2000), Private sector participation and municipal waste management in Benin City, Nigeria. Environ.
Urban. 12 (2), 103–117.
Rachel, O.A., Komine, H., Yasuhara, K., & Murakami, S., (2009), Municipal solid waste management in
developed and developing countries-Japan and Nigeria as case studies. [Online Web: Accessed on
03th March, 2019],
http://wwwgeo.civil.ibaraki.ac.jp/komine/mypapers/JGSPaper/2009/JGS2009(973)Rachel.pdf
Waste Amount and Composition Surveys (WACS) implemented in the Central and Southern Provinces of Sri
Lanka, SATREPS report (May 2014)
Waste Management Authority (Western Province) (2015), Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules- 2005,
Joint programme of the Government of Sri Lanka, Western Provincial Council & USAID/USAEP
World Bank. Solid Waste management [Online Web: Accessed on 12th May, 2019],
http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-management
http://www.ncas.ac.lk/journal/