Nestlé Lanka donated waste management units to schools in the Ratnapura district through its School Waste Management Program recently.
Implemented in collaboration with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the Ministry of Education, and local Municipal Councils, the program aims to inspire a positive behavioural change in the future generation of Sri Lanka. Launched in January 2020 as part of Nestlé Lanka’s efforts to help achieve a waste-free future, the program will be extended to 250 schools around the country this year, impacting over 400,000 children.
Mayor of the Ratnapura Municipal Council, Tyrone Attanayake said, “Waste is a valuable resource if disposed of responsibly. There is much that can be done with segregated waste, but unfortunately, most people lack awareness.”
eGuided by the authorities, the School Waste Management Program ensures that waste in school premises is segregated and disposed of responsibly. CEA officials work with the schools’ environmental societies to create awareness on proper waste disposal and management and encourage students to act as environmental ambassadors in spreading the word.
Thereafter, the Municipal Council in the area ensures that the waste is collected and sent for recycling or energy recovery as much as possible.