CEA initiates E-waste collection programme with Dept of Posts

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By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) in collaboration with the Department of Posts has initiated a programme to collect Electronic waste (E-waste) through post offices.   
Postmaster General, Ranjith Ariyaratne told Daily Mirror the programme was initiated as a CSR project launched by the Department of Posts in line with World Post Day, which falls on October 10.   

People can hand over E-waste like mobile phones, computers, televisions, radios, stereos to the respective post offices from October 5 to 10.   
“Only domestic E-waste items are accepted and not industrial items used in companies,” Ariyaratne said.   

“There are several post offices where sufficient space is not available. Therefore, Divisional Secretariat offices will be utilised to accommodate the waste in such situations.   
Meanwhile, Chairman Siripala Amarasinghe said this programme would be really effective with respect to disposing E-waste in a 
proper manner.   

“There is no proper mechanism for disposal of E-waste in Sri Lanka and it is one of the largest forms of waste right now.   

When asked as to what would done once E-waste are collected, a senior official of the CEA said the collected e-waste will be recycled and the items that can’t  be recycled will be re-exported.   

E-waste includes mobile phones, computers, televisions, radios, stereos, VCRs and other kitchen electrical appliances.   
Due to the lack of a proper disposal mechanism, such waste is either accumulated in households or disposed to the environment.   

• E-waste like mobile phones, computers, televisions, radios, stereos can be handed over to the respective post offices from October 5 to 10