The newest addition to the Plasticcycle initiative is the collaboration with the Department of National Zoological Gardens to place plastic collection bins at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala Zoo, Dehiwala Zoo and Ridiyagama Safari Park which generate significant amounts of recyclable plastics.
In addition to spreading awareness on Refusing, Reducing & Reusing Plastics, this initiative provides avenues for responsible disposal of recyclable plastic waste by placing collection bins at key locations.
Plasticcycle has to date recycled over 15 Metric tons of Plastic waste and will continue its commitment to reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka. Popular attractions such as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Dehiwala Zoo observe a high influx of local and foreign tourists which peak during weekends and the holiday season with most tourists consuming plastic water bottles while travelling.
Ms. Dammika Malsinghe, Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens said that “the placement of the Plasticcycle bins under the project would be greatly beneficial in managing plastic waste at these highly crowded sites”.
“Plasticcycle” is a Social Entrepreneurship Project launched in July 2017 by John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. JKH provides employment to over 13,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for 13 years. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Member of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its vision of “empowering the nation for tomorrow,” through the John Keells Foundation.”
