Abstract
High-density urban development with mixed land uses in Sri Lankan coastal cities generate large amounts of plastic and polythene waste (PPW). The limited capacity of city councils, the deficiencies of current waste management practices and poor awareness, a significant proportion of PPW is being released into the environment, which in turn has accumulated in the marine ecosystem through canal networks. This paper analyses the current practices of PPW disposal in one such coastal region based on a sample of 579 households, 182 commercial properties, and 103 institutions. Results indicate that out of 29 tons of PPW generated in the region, around 8% was disposed into the environment in the form of landfill, burning, and discharging into water bodies. Non-parametric correlations indicate a significant correlation between reduction of PPW (waste generators), private waste collection and awareness by local media. Qualitative analysis highlights the existing limitations of current practices of PPW disposal such as non-availability of practical and cost effective alternatives (government and industries), poor awareness of PPW impacts (waste generators, media, the local council, and researchers), negative attitudes of society, law enforcement (national government and local councils) and irregular waste collection of local councils.
Highlights
1 Introduction In Sri Lanka, around 70 per cent of urban population and 80 per cent of its economic infrastructure networks [1] are concentrated in coastal cities
As per Western Province Waste Management Authority, about 6 per cent of the solid waste generated in Municipal Council areas in the coast is Plastic and Polythene Waste (PPW)
In the above context this research carried out a detail survey on current practices of PPW disposal in Dehiwala Mount Lavinia Municipal Council (DMMC) area covering 29 Municipal Wards
Summary
In Sri Lanka, around 70 per cent of urban population and 80 per cent of its economic infrastructure networks [1] are concentrated in coastal cities Around 2.7 million of urban population in these cities generates about 0.75 kg/person/day of solid waste [3] which totaling 2,026 metric tons per day. As per Western Province Waste Management Authority, about 6 per cent of the solid waste generated in Municipal Council areas in the coast is Plastic and Polythene Waste (PPW). Jambeck and others [7] have estimated quantity of plastic waste entering the ocean from 192 coastal countries around world in 2010. Sri Lanka ranked fifth in terms of mass of mismanaged plastic waste and accounting for marine debris of 0.24-0.64 millions of metric tons per year [8]. Major share of mismanaged PPW in coastal cities of the country enter the ocean via drains, streams, wetlands, rivers, and tides. It shows the interplay between these groups and their role in sustainable PPW management
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