UNSAID – Ceylon Cold Stores partnership pioneers women-led recycling initiatives

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity, and Gunadamin Elephant House of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS) have solidified their alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding.

This collaboration aims to establish Sri Lanka’s inaugural plastic recyclable collection network and material recovery facility, led by women, emphasizing the separation and processing of recyclable materials. Initially launched in Dickwella, Matara, this partnership, supported by Soba Kantha Environmental Management and Community Development Foundation and Viridis Pvt Ltd, a leader in Sri Lankan plastic recycling, has successfully gathered 1,175 kilograms of plastic waste. The goal is to broaden the initiative’s scope across five coastal provinces, partnering with grassroots women’s organizations.

These partnerships aim to identify and empower economically disadvantaged women from fishing communities, transforming them into active plastic collectors and environmental stewards. “The United States, through its longstanding relationship with Sri Lanka, believes in the transformative power of collaboration,” opined Christopher Powers, Director of the Office of Economic Growth, USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission. “This partnership epitomizes that belief, promising not just environmental conservation but also championing women’s roles in leading the change.”

Daminda Elephant House’s unwavering commitment to responsible plastic disposal and waste management initiatives has garnered recognition within the community. As part of the initiative, women identified as potential recyclable collectors are trained and equipped to safely gather specific types of waste plastics and metals that have the potential for profitable recycling.

Viridis takes the helm during the recycling phase, ensuring that the valuable plastic and metal waste is efficiently processed. In return for their contributions, the women are compensated.

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