Plastic waste recycling in Sri Lanka

The Current State of Waste and Recycling in Sri Lanka

Each day, Sri Lanka generates thousands of tons of solid waste. A significant portion of this is plastic waste, much of which ends up in open dumps or the ocean. While the government and environmental organizations have been working to implement better waste management systems, there is still a long way to go.

Recycling in Sri Lanka is gaining momentum, but the infrastructure is still developing. Many municipalities lack efficient collection systems, and public awareness of proper waste separation is limited. However, there are positive signs. In recent years, a growing number of communities, schools, and businesses have started embracing the 3Rs — reduce, reuse, and recycle — as part of their daily routines.
Plastic Recycling: A Growing Industry

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world due to its durability and versatility. However, it is also one of the most harmful when not properly disposed of. In Sri Lanka, plastic pollution has become a major concern, especially in urban centers and coastal areas.

Thankfully, plastic recycling companies in Sri Lanka are stepping up to address the issue. These companies collect, sort, clean, and process used plastic materials to be reused in manufacturing. Some convert plastic waste into pellets that can be molded into new products, while others focus on creating building materials, textiles, or even fuel.

Major Plastic Recycling Efforts in Sri Lanka

One of the key players in advancing plastic recycling in the country is Plasticcycle, a social entrepreneurship initiative by the John Keells Group. Launched with the aim of creating a cleaner and greener Sri Lanka, Plasticcycle focuses on encouraging responsible disposal and recycling of plastic waste.

Plasticcycle installs collection bins in high-footfall areas such as supermarkets, schools, and offices, allowing the public to dispose of used plastics responsibly. The collected plastics are then handed over to registered recyclers for processing. The initiative also emphasizes education and awareness, running campaigns to inform the public about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the benefits of recycling.

What sets Plasticcycle apart is its collaborative approach — it works with local authorities, businesses, and communities to build a culture of sustainability. The project is not only helping reduce plastic waste but is also creating a model that can be replicated across the country.

Government Policies and Support

The Sri Lankan government has recognized the need to improve waste management and promote recycling. Several policies and bans have been introduced to reduce plastic usage. For example, in 2017, the use of polythene bags less than 20 microns thick was banned. This was a step toward reducing single-use plastics.

In addition, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) works closely with recycling companies and local authorities to promote segregation of waste at the source. The government also supports private initiatives and partnerships aimed at expanding the recycling sector.
Community Involvement in Recycling
ecycling in Sri Lanka is not just the responsibility of large companies and the government. Community involvement plays a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable waste management system. Many schools and community groups have started organizing clean-up drives and educational programs to raise awareness about plastic recycling.

Local NGOs and social enterprises also conduct workshops and awareness campaigns to encourage households to separate biodegradable waste from plastics, glass, and paper. Some cities like Kandy and Galle have begun pilot programs for home-based waste segregation, making it easier to collect recyclables.
Challenges Facing Plastic Recycling

Despite the positive developments, plastic recycling in Sri Lanka still faces many challenges:

    Low awareness: Many citizens are still unaware of how or why to recycle, and often dispose of plastic waste improperly.

    Limited infrastructure: In rural and semi-urban areas, collection and recycling facilities are often unavailable or underdeveloped.

    Contamination of recyclable materials: When plastic waste is mixed with organic or hazardous waste, it becomes more difficult and costly to recycle.

    Market demand: There is sometimes a lack of consistent demand for recycled materials, which affects the profitability of recycling businesses.

A Sustainable Future

Sri Lanka’s journey toward a cleaner, greener future relies heavily on improving recycling systems, especially when it comes to plastic waste. Collaboration among government bodies, plastic recycling companies in Sri Lanka, communities, and consumers is key to building a more sustainable waste management ecosystem.

Technological innovation, public-private partnerships, and better policy enforcement can help scale up the impact of recycling efforts. Moreover, individuals must take responsibility for reducing plastic use and supporting recycling by properly sorting and disposing of waste.

Every piece of plastic that gets recycled is one less piece that ends up polluting the environment. As awareness spreads and infrastructure improves, Sri Lanka has the potential to become a model for sustainable waste management in South Asia.