Policy framework
Legal framework
Name:
National policy on waste management
Brief description:
This is an umbrella type of policy that covers all the physical types of wastes; solid, liquid and gaseous. The relevant institutions are expected to make sectoral policies based on this policy. Marine waste has been identified under the policy.
Measures
Measures |
Achievements |
Prevention and reduction of plastic waste generation |
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Charge for single-use plastic products (e.g. shopping bags, straws) |
|
We see a positive improvement from last two years | |
Actions for encouraging sustainable / circular product design |
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We see a positive improvement from last two years Comments: Some companies started to manufacture plastic alternative products. |
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Regulation on microplastics |
|
We see a positive improvement from last two years
Comments: |
Measures |
Achievements |
Environmentally sound waste management |
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Enforcement of proper waste management system |
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Names of actions: Brief description: |
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Prevention of littering, illegal dumping and unintentional leakage of waste into the ocean |
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We see a positive improvement from last two years Comments: The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program will fund pilot projects to minimize the flow of plastic pollution to the ocean. |
Measures |
Achievements |
Cleanup of marine plastic litter |
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Collection of scattered waste on beach |
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Names of actions:
Brief description:
|
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Removal of plastic litter from the ocean |
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Brief description: Underwater clean up is carried out. Volunteers/ diving groups are conducting collection of floating plastics |
Measures |
Achievements |
Promotion of innovative solutions |
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Policy actions for encouraging plastic alternatives (e.g. biodegradable plastics, circular product design – including use of recycled materials or closed loop recycling and so on’) |
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We see a positive improvement from last two years Comments: |
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Public-private partnerships for creating and implementing innovative solution |
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Names of actions: Brief description: We are planning to improve the programme further by introducing container collection week for each growing season and a soft wear to network collection centers and collectors |
Measures |
Achievements |
Education and awareness raising |
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Education system for encouraging public awareness on MPL issues |
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We see a positive improvement from last two years Comments: Waste management is included in the school curriculum. |
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Awareness raising campaigns related to MPL |
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National level: Brief description: Local level: Brief description: |
International / Regional level: We see a positive improvement from last two years Comments: |
Measures |
Achievements |
Monitoring & Scientific research on marine plastic litter |
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Actions for encouraging monitoring / scientific research on plastic flows and ocean surface microplastics |
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We see a positive improvement from last two years Comments: |
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Engagement in international/regional level actions for encouraging monitoring / scientific research on plastic flows and ocean surface microplastics |
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We see a positive improvement from last two years Comments: |
Challenges
- Recycling system improvement
- Proper waste management system (including lack of local capacity)
- Data collection related to waste in general
- Data collection related to marine plastic litter
- Lack of awareness among citizens, business, local governments
- Lack of financial incentives for waste treatment in general
- Lack of financial incentives for technology development
- Project delays due to COVID-19
- Others
- Poor cooperation among government institutions
- Some administrative barriors
- Poor attitude of some responsible individuals towards taking actions.
Best practices
National level
Agrochemical container collection programme
Local level
Plastic waste collection and recycling
Private sector
Plastic waste collection and recycling programs has been increased.
Beach caretakers are recruited and some of them are sponsored by private organizations.
Contact details
S.M.Werahera
Director (Environment pollution Control and Chemical Management)
Ministry of Environment
email : smwerahera@yahoo.com