Waste management in Colombo

It’s high time that the new government takes adequate measures to resolve the waste crisis in Colombo. In some areas, the waste collection trucks  arrived today for the first time after the New Year. Waste from the past year was accumulated in bins, and if not collected on time, waste becomes a burden to people. Despite the municipal staffers being paid a salary, certain people also give them a small tip so that they would come regularly and collect the waste. But irregularities persist in this process. This had been happening for years, and still there is no regulation with regards to waste management. While waste is a money-spinning business for some, one should also be aware of its repercussions. The collapse of the Meethotamulla dump yard claimed many lives,  but waste remains to be an unresolved area at the municipal level. In foreign countries, waste is collected on a daily basis and each material is recycled and upcycled, disrupting the market and even providing job opportunies for many people. From manufacturing compost to recycling plastics, several other industries have emerged as a result of the waste crisis. Even though Sri Lanka had attempted many such initiatives, many have failed due to political interferences and corruption. Therefore, the incumbent government has ample opportunities to introduce new industries and make a tangible change, if they ever wish to. 

Renuka Sriyani

Thalahena