Document Type
Pre-Print
Publication Date
2021
Subjects
PlastiRefuse and refuse disposal -- Sri Lanka -- Colombo, Waste minimization -- Sri Lanka -- Colombo, Refuse and refuse disposal -- Government policy -- Sri Lanka -- Colombo, Sustainability
Abstract
Circular Economy [CE] is predominantly framed as a means for circulating material streams within the technosphere as economically as possible, for as long as possible, in both applications of theory and practice. Arising from requirements for regulatory compliance, some global north industries have ventured into CE, and now this model is making headway in all industrial sectors. Whereas, in the global south, CE has been conceptualized as a mechanism for keeping materials out of the waste streams otherwise destined to reach landfills, waterways etc. Characteristic haphazard waste management is a serious socio-environmental issue in Sri Lanka. As a result, CE is promoted as a sustainable strategy that drives the waste-to-wealth initiative with a rational to creating jobs while diverting waste from the landfills. To that end, the case for industries and civic society to transit to a more sustainable economy is officially recognized, where waste is reduced or eliminated through, for example, development of new business models, eco-designs, and sustainable consumption and production strategies. In tandem, partnerships between local universities, not- for-profit organizations, and social enterprise groups have initiated several community-based projects across the country since 2009, targeting waste streams including household, industrial, and agricultural waste. Presented herein are the lessons learned from the CE-based waste-to-wealth projects in Sri Lanka with an emphasis on the cultural, economic, and structural roadblocks faced by the micro-social entrepreneurs in this field.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/35188
Citation Details
Conlon, Katie; Jayasinghe, Randika; and Dasanayake, Ranahansa, "Circular Economy: Waste-to-Wealth, Jobs the Global South" (2021). Urban Studies and Planning Faculty Publications and Presentations. 308.
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/35188
Description
This is the author’s version of a work. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document.