Chemicals

This proposal contains a new demonstration for controlling the generation of POPs by involving the city s stakeholders and local authorities to initiate sustainable action which would serve as a workable model to other local authorities in Sri Lanka. Sevanatha, working with the Minuwangoda Urban Council, intends to hold this demonstration project in Minuwangoda town, aimed at controlling persistent organic pollutants (POPs) generated through the improper handling of solid waste, such as the dumping of mixed waste and the burning of polythene, plastic and other hazardous waste. Minuwangoda is a small suburban town in the Greater Colombo area. It is estimated that about 10 tons of POPs per month is disposed with organic waste in town. The current process of waste disposal is to dump it and then cover the waste with layers of soil, allowing POPs and other harmful chemicals to seep into the land. The project will rely on extensive community awareness on minimizing the usage of POPs along with promoting ways to properly manage POPs waste by way of source separation and collection. Safe handling and recycling of POPs waste will be undertaken by the relevant stakeholders. Sevanatha hopes to change the attitudes of the community towards waste disposal, leading to a cleaner environment.

Sri lanka