CEA issues special waste management guidelines following cyclone Ditwah

Colombo, Dec. 9 (Daily Mirror) - The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has introduced special criteria for managing waste generated in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with a focus on handling hazardous, solid, clinical and electronic waste.

Issuing a statement, the CEA said the new guidelines are temporary measures designed specifically for disaster-related waste and will not replace the standard waste management regulations that remain in force under normal conditions. The criteria have already been distributed to local government authorities for implementation.

The CEA said the guidelines aim to reduce pollution caused by debris and waste following the cyclone, minimise environmental and health risks and help restore normal public life as quickly as possible.

The new criteria outline procedures for managing food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, clothing, glass, construction debris and general waste. Separate guidelines have been introduced for waste originating from agrochemical outlets, pharmacies, hospitals, medical centres and factories classified under chemical and hazardous waste.

A special programme for electronic and electrical waste has also been launched in coordination with local authorities. Local councils have been provided with a list of CEA-registered institutions and authorised hazardous waste management facilities to ensure proper disposal. Households with damaged electronic items are encouraged to hand them over through their respective local government programmes.

The CEA further stressed that all personnel involved in waste management—regardless of the category of waste—must be equipped with personal protective gear.

For inquiries on solid waste management, the public may contact Ms. Manuja Priyadarshani, Director of the Solid Waste Management Unit, at 0718163356.

For issues relating to chemical and hazardous waste, Mr. Tissa Gamage, Director of the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Management Unit, can be reached at 0714395393.

Further details are available through the CEA’s Provincial and District Offices, with contact numbers listed on the official website www.cea.lk