Abstract:
The intense use of plastics and linear waste systems has increased the accumulation
of plastic in the environment. Such accumulation is a leading global issue, which
suggests a shift to a circular economy focusing on recycling and waste reduction. This
study examines the circular economy strategies for plastic waste management,
recycling, upcycling, biodegradable alternatives, and eco-designs. The study was
conducted as a case study from Mannar District in Sri Lanka on the collection and
disposal of plastics among 147 respondents across six coastal fishery communities.
The waste disposal sites were mapped to provide spatial patterns across the selected
communities. The results showed that high levels of plastic waste originating from
fisheries, households, and marine debris were due to poor disposal practices, limited
infrastructure, and low public awareness. Among the identified disposal methods,
illegal dumping (24.1%) and burning (17.9%) were the most prevalent. Additionally,
444 ± 17 kg Polyethene Terephthalate (PET) bottles were recovered from 24 fishery
sites per month. The survey in Mannar District revealed widespread informal disposal
practices and a considerable accumulation of marine plastics. However, this study
highlighted strong community willingness to participate in structured waste
management solutions. These findings reveal the importance of expanding similar
assessments across Sri Lanka to develop effective strategies. Such efforts are essential
for advancing a balanced and sustainable national plastic waste management
framework grounded in circular economy principles.
