Despite the increased disposal of plastic and polythene in the wake of the recent disaster, the Environment Ministry stated that no significant challenges to regional garbage collection or the waste management system have arisen so far.

Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, speaking to The Daily Morning, confirmed that while these impacts have not yet materialised, the Ministry anticipates a second wave of such waste as recovery continues. He noted that during the process of resettling and cleaning homes, a considerable amount of plastic is expected to be further disposed of into the environment.

However, he explained that the strict enforcement of regulations on plastic disposal is being balanced against these urgent needs. “We can’t come to a strict decision regarding the polythene and the plastic bottles. People cannot be left in hunger and thirst,” Jayakody said, assuring that actions to collect and recycle discarded items would intensify once the immediate crisis subsides.

Attempts to contact the Colombo Municipal Council for comment were unsuccessful.