While Municipal Councils are struggling with challenges associated with waste disposal and recycling, Insee Ecocycle, the waste management arm of Insee Cement has spearheaded a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management by co-processing ‘segregated non-recyclable plastic, polythene waste from MSW’ since 2014 in the Gampaha and Kurunegala districts.
As a pioneering initiative, the partnership has demonstrated how the combined strengths of proactive private entities; the Central Environmental Authority, Office of the Commissioner of the Western Province and participating Municipal Councils, can join forces with a private group to launch sustainable projects.
Chairman of Central Environment Authority, Prof. Lal Mervin Dharmasiri said, “Ecocycle supported the national initiative of eradicating plastic, polythene waste and e-waste in Gampaha, Kurunegala and Puttalam districts with the Central Environment Authority (CEA) in 2016.
Segregated non-recyclable polythene and plastic waste from Gampaha and Kurunegala is transported by the local authorities to Insee Ecocycle in Puttalam. Therein, it is not disposed separately in an incinerator but ‘co-processed’ in the cement plant. By co-processing the waste, the volume of CO2 emissions is reduced whilst nurturing the non-renewable fossil fuels and natural resources conservation.
Co-Processing presents an economically viable and environment-friendly sound waste management alternative to the traditional disposal of waste as it takes advantage of the technology already used for the cement production process, a company spokesman said. Provincial Commissioner of the Western Province, Mrs. Chandrani Samarakoon said, “Four transfer stations were set up in Gampaha district to collect polythene and plastics. Today, this initiative is well on track, minimizing the environmental impact of waste disposal. With the purchase of 16 more bailing machines, we hope to replicate the same model in the Kalutara district.” Director of Waste Management Authority (WMA) Nalin Mannaperuma said, “WMA gives utmost importance in inculcating the mindset and establishing the ‘Polluter Pay Principle’ among all sectors. By partnering with Insee Ecocycle, WMA hopes to reduce waste volumes by 85% through comprehensive waste management programs.”