Geocycle partners with CEA to manage electronic waste

Geocycle of Holcim (Lanka) Limited has partnered with Central Environmental Authority to provide its consultancy services to manage electronic waste generated within the country.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding took place at the launch of e-waste management logo organised by CEA recently.  Chairman CEA Charitha Herath, and Chief Executive Officer of Holcim Lanka, Stephan Huber, signed the agreement on behalf of the respective parties.

Electronic devices constitute an indispensable part of our everyday lives and change rapidly in this modern world. Computers and related equipment, mobile phones, home appliances, and video games are bought and sold every day. And most of them contain toxic materials and their effects on the environment and health cannot be overlooked. Thus, electronic waste is categorised as hazardous. Studies have shown that future generations will find it difficult to obtain clear water supply, as improper disposal of e-waste will affect the quality of ground water in the next 10-20 years

 Having understood the gravity of problems created by electronic waste, Geocycle offered its consultancy services to the Central Environmental Authority to mange e-waste properly.

It facilitates exporting all electronic waste to China to recycle through its partner for e-waste, who has obtained approval from Basel Convention for this activity.

Expressing his views on this timely effort of CEA and partner companies, CEO of Holcim Lanka Stephan Huber, said “lack of appropriate methods for the treatment of industrial waste in Sri Lanka has caused socio-economic and ecological problems. As we recognise the evidence of the risk of climate change and environmental pollution created by unplanned and uncontrolled waste management, we offer the services of our facilities and expertise to develop sustainable industrial waste management solutions, employing a globally proven and accepted technologies and best practices”

Huber further stressed that “Sri Lanka leads in literacy level among the Asian countries and is targeting to increase the rate of computer literacy among the general public. Electronic waste management programme launched by CEA together with partner companies is very appropriate in this context. Together with Geocycle, Holcim Lanka will continue to concentrate on implementing on 5 R concept – Reduce, Reuse, Replace, Recycle, Reinvent!”

Asela Iddawela, General Manager of Geocycle said that “Geocycle Sri Lanka is proud to serve the country’s drive for development through its services, to address many waste management challenges of industries.  Geocycle utilises its global experience, know-how and expertise to conform to the standards and accepted best practices, in all the processes. The services are delivered while adhering to environmental protection regulations and standard best practices”.