Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
Sri Lanka launches home composting initiative to tackle organic waste
Biodegradable organic materials comprise between 50 and 60 percent of Sri Lanka's daily waste stream. The government has initiated a home composting project designed to reduce collection, transport, and disposal costs while addressing the country's mounting waste management challenge.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Sri Lanka is moving to implement a nationwide home composting programme as authorities seek to address the environmental and financial burden posed by organic waste in the country's waste management system.
According to waste management assessments, organic biodegradable materials constitute between 50 and 60 percent of the total waste accumulated daily across Sri Lanka. The collection, transportation, segregation, and ultimate disposal of this material represents a significant operational and financial drain on municipal and provincial waste management authorities.
The proposed home composting initiative aims to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost at the household level, thereby reducing the volume of material entering the formal waste disposal stream. By enabling householders to process their own organic refuse, the scheme is expected to substantially lower expenses associated with waste collection and transport operations.
The project aligns with global best practices in waste reduction and circular economy principles, allowing households to transform kitchen and garden waste into usable compost for gardening and agricultural purposes. Officials indicate the programme is intended to reduce pressure on existing landfills while promoting sustainable waste management practices among Sri Lankan households.