The Coca-Cola Foundation, in partnership with Eco-Spindles and Janathakshan, has launched Eko Wave, an advanced Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Colombo in honour of World Environment Day 2023.
The chief guest was Chairman of the Central Environment Authority, Supun Pathirage.
The facility aims to address plastic waste challenges and promote environmental sustainability in the region, aligning with the United Nations’ theme of ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’ for World Environment Day 2023.
Funded and supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Eco-Spindles, and implemented by Janathakshan, Eko Wave sets an exemplary model for responsible production and consumption.
The MRF uses efficient technology and innovative waste processing mechanisms to effectively manage plastic waste. It can collect and process over 20,000 kilograms of plastic waste per month, making it a comprehensive solution to the plastic waste management challenges in Colombo, a spokesman for Eko Wave said.
Colombo, being a significant commercial hub, faces substantial waste generation, with household waste being the primary contributor. Eko Wave aims to tackle this challenge by connecting with the informal waste collection network and enhancing recyclable waste collection.
The MRF will play a pivotal role in efficiently collecting and processing recyclable materials, primarily focusing on PET plastic.
These materials will be transformed into compact bales and granules, which will be sent to Eco Spindles for recycling into value-added products.
Eko Wave will also launch extensive awareness campaigns targeting schools and local communities, emphasising responsible disposal practices and the importance of recycling, especially for PET plastic. These campaigns have already reached over 2,000 people in Colombo.
The facility also creates income opportunities for vulnerable communities by developing the Informal Waste Collectors (IWC) network. Over 115 collectors have been identified, and Eko Wave is working closely with them to strengthen their capacity. The MRF also acts as a buy-back center, providing a platform for local communities, residents, and businesses to sell their recyclable waste directly to the facility, promoting responsible waste management.
Eko Wave marks the second MRF set up under the project ‘Strengthening informal sector waste collection system for improved waste management and increased collection and recycling of PET plastic in Sri Lanka,’ supported and funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Eco-Spindles, in collaboration with Janathakshan.
The project aims to set up six MRFs nationwide, combating plastic pollution in Sri Lanka and demonstrating the commitment of The Coca-Cola Foundation and its partners to environmental sustainability and effective solutions to plastic pollution.