If properly managed:

There is cash in trash

Disna Mudalige

A recent research by the Environment Ministry has found out that if proper waste management is implemented within households 30 percent of the waste generated in the country can be used in economically beneficial activities.

This was revealed by Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa at a ceremony held at the Pannala Sirimali Conference Hall to donate compost bins and waste separating bins to schools, hospitals, Government institutions and religious institutions in Pannala.

The Minister pointed out the need to separate garbage within households before disposing them.

“The world is pursuing rapid development.

Epidemic diseases and illnesses as such as dengue are raising their head at same rapidity.

The only option to control them is by disposing garbage in a proper manner. Not only the urban community but also village community should be aware of healthy means to dispose garbage. All should work in hand in hand for this task to ensure a better environment,” he said.

Central Environment Authority Chairman Dr Charitha Herath said environment has become a powerful subject as Economy in the contemporary world. “No conference will be held without referring to those two fields. However an attitudinal change of people is needed to carry forward environmental-friendly approaches successfully.

Donation of waste separating bins will be meaningless if this attitudinal change is not brought about,” he said. Pilisaru National Solid Waste Management Project Director Lal Fernando also participated.