A Comprehensive Policy for Waste Management Reform in Colombo.
Colombo’s waste crisis is a daily frustration for its residents — from overflowing bins and illegal dumping to delayed collection and lack of public accountability. Clear Streets, Clean Systems is a comprehensive plan to modernise the city’s waste management using real-time tracking, rapid-response cleanup, and community-driven cleanliness. This initiative ensures that public health, environmental safety, and civic pride begin with a cleaner city.
Main Stakeholders:
- Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) – Main body responsible for garbage collection and waste management within city limits.
- Central Environmental Authority (CEA) – Regulates environmental standards and compliance.
- Private contractors – Hired by CMC to assist with collection and transport.
Existing Infrastructure:
- Garbage trucks – Used for daily collection but not always tracked or optimized.
- Transfer station in Wellawatte – Main city point for consolidating garbage before transport.
- Bins in public areas – Scattered across the city but poorly maintained in many zones.
- Limited composting and recycling facilities – Some small-scale centres in place but underutilised.
- Drainage and cleaning teams – Operate separately from waste teams, with limited coordination.
What We Have Now
- Garbage collection exists but misses many low-income or narrow areas.
- Public bins are in place but often overflow or break.
- There is no real-time tracking system for collection.
- No consistent monitoring of workers and private contractors.
- Most garbage is not separated, making recycling and composting difficult.
- Public awareness of proper waste disposal is low.
What We Will Improve
- Use GPS to track garbage trucks and fix collection delays.
- Check and repair public bins more regularly.
- Introduce “Clean Zones” throughout the CMC area with cameras and enforcement to stop illegal dumping.
- Launch “Colombo Clean Starts with Me” campaign to educate communities.
- Set up an inspection team under the Mayor’s Office to monitor waste work monthly.
- Build 5 recycling hubs through partnerships.
- Provide all waste workers with safety gear, training, and regular health checks.
What New Things We Will Introduce
- A public app showing garbage pickup schedules, missed collections, and cleanups.
- Smart bins with sensors that alert teams when full.
- A reporting system for blocked drains with photo uploads by citizens.
- Business Waste Licenses to regulate large producers like hotels and markets.
- Public scorecards showing area-wise performance and cleanliness ratings.
- Use of artificial intelligence to predict problem areas and speed up response.
Making the System Transparent & Accountable
- Monthly updates shared openly with the public.
- Live dashboards to track garbage collections and issue resolutions.
- Performance-based rewards for the cleanest zones and teams.
- Regular community meetings to hear feedback and share progress.