Shocking images of elephants eating plastic have prompted Sri Lankan authorities to crack down on pollution amid an economic crisis and waste buildup in the country. In response to the deaths of around twenty elephants and other wildlife over the past decade, a law banning single-use disposable plastics has been announced to be implemented in the coming weeks.
The accumulation of plastic bags, bottles, and other plastic packaging has also clogged sewage systems, leading to flooding in urban areas. In addition, there is a risk of an increase in cases of dengue fever, a potentially deadly disease transmitted by mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water, such as that which accumulates in abandoned containers after rain.
Environment Minister Anil Jasinghe has stated that the aim is to raise public awareness about the responsible use of plastic. The new law will ban the sale of various single-use plastic items that are harmful to the environment, difficult to recycle, and easily replaceable, such as cutlery, cups, straws, and flower garlands.
However, the implementation of this regulation presents challenges. In 2006, the government banned ultra-thin plastic bags and food packaging, but manufacturers did not comply. In addition to the lack of compliance by manufacturers, Sri Lanka, a bankrupt country, faces difficulties in collecting and recycling waste. The severe economic crisis that began in late 2021 has led to a significant accumulation of waste due to fuel shortages affecting garbage collectors.
According to the United Nations, Sri Lanka recycles only 3% of the plastic products it consumes, less than half the global average. Although plastic bottles are not included in the new ban, the country’s main recycling company claims to have the capacity to process two-thirds more than is currently recycled. However, there is still work to be done to improve the recycling infrastructure and raise awareness of the importance of reducing plastic consumption and encouraging sustainable practices.
The problem of single-use plastics accounts for about 15% of urban waste in Sri Lanka, a country that produces about 1.5 million tons of plastic waste each year. Half of this waste ends up in canals, rivers, and eventually the Indian Ocean. Health authorities also hope that the ban on single-use plastics will help curb the spread of dengue fever.