The Government is moving towards a coordinated national system to manage electronic waste, with plans to improve collection, recycling and regulation. Environment Ministry officials discussed the plan with registered e-waste collectors, recyclers and other industry representatives ahead of International E-Waste Day on October 14.
Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody chaired the meeting. Ministry Secretary K. R. Uduwawala also joined the discussion with industry stakeholders.
Growing use of digital devices in government, education and other sectors is creating more discarded electrical and electronic equipment. As a result, authorities want a better system to collect, reuse and recycle these items.
Government Plans New E-Waste Rules
One key part of the plan is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The Environment Ministry is preparing changes to the National Environmental Act to introduce EPR rules. It is also seeking approval for a National Policy on Electrical and Electronic Waste Management.
Under the proposed system, producers and other businesses would take greater responsibility for electronic products throughout their life cycle.
However, authorities have not yet announced the exact duties that producers would have under the proposed rules.
E-Waste Collection Already Underway
Meanwhile, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and Dialog Axiata PLC are running an island-wide e-waste collection programme.
People can hand over unwanted electronic items at communications service centres and other designated drop-off points. Registered recyclers then handle the collected waste through approved recycling processes.
The Government also plans to bring several ministries and agencies into the wider system. These include institutions responsible for public administration, industry, trade, health and the digital economy. Provincial and local authorities are expected to take part as well.
Regulators such as the CEA, Department of Imports and Exports Control, Sri Lanka Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority will support stronger oversight.
They will also have a role in encouraging communities to separate e-waste from other waste.
More Opportunities for Recycling Businesses
The Government wants the new system to support better recycling methods and new ideas. Importers, manufacturers, distributors, telecommunications providers, repair businesses and registered recycling companies could all take part.
Better collection and recycling can reduce environmental risks from discarded electronic products. At the same time, these activities could create new opportunities for businesses involved in repair, reuse, recovery and recycling.
For consumers and businesses, a more organised system could eventually make it easier to find recognised collection points and recycling services.
Several parts of the plan are still under development. These include the proposed EPR rules and the National Policy on Electrical and Electronic Waste Management.
Ministerial Update Policy Reform
Last modified: October 13, 2026
