A women-led Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Puttalam has reached a major milestone in sustainable waste management, moving beyond plastic collection to upcycling waste into new products. This breakthrough marks a key step toward a circular economy, ensuring that post-consumer plastic is not just collected but also repurposed effectively.

Operating under the PLEASE Project, the MRF has successfully met quality standards for recycled plastic, enabling the production of upcycled goods. Beyond recycling, the initiative has driven community engagement through awareness sessions and beach clean-ups, fostering environmental responsibility.

“Our goal is not just to collect and recycle plastic but to empower communities with knowledge and practical solutions,” said a project representative. “By introducing upcycled products, we show how waste can be turned into value.”

This initiative is a model for sustainability and women’s empowerment in waste management, proving that innovation and environmental conservation can go hand in hand in tackling plastic waste.