2018 Reports

Closing the Loop in Waste Management in Southern Sri Lanka

De Mel, Manishka; Hettiarachchi, Missaka; Navaratne, Achala

The Green Recovery Program in southern Sri Lanka demonstrates effective, integrated solid waste management in post-disaster and peri-urban contexts. By combining household-level composting and home gardening with local recycling networks and small-scale facilities, the program reduced waste and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing food security and community resilience. Private sector engagement, social mobilization, and community participation were critical for sustaining the waste management cycle. This case highlights that closing the loop in waste management requires attention to all components, from source separation to recycling and local-level collection.