A new approach to plastic waste management is emerging in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector, where renewable energy, recycling, community livelihoods and environmental conservation have been brought together under one initiative.
The Somerset Eco Material Collection and Processing Centre (MCPC), established at Somerset Estate in Radella under Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC Strengthening Women and Youth Engagement in Informal Waste Management in Sri Lanka (SWYFT) Project, is Sri Lanka’s first Material Collection and Processing Centre powered entirely by hydropower. Funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and implemented by Janathakshan, with Neptune Recyclers as recycling partner and Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC as plantation-sector partner, the facility offers a model for linking waste recovery with clean energy and inclusive economic development.
The centre draws electricity from a nearby small-scale hydropower plant on the Nanu Oya River, providing renewable power for its operations as well as charging electric three-wheelers and bicycles used to collect recyclable waste from surrounding communities. This integration reduces the carbon footprint associated with both processing and collection, demonstrating how circular-economy systems can be designed in environmentally sound manner.
Located within the eco- sensitive Nuwara Eliya highlands, the centre also has significance beyond recycling. Plastic waste collected from Nuwara Eliya, Nanu Oya, Agrapatana, Talawakelle, Ramboda and Hatton is diverted from the environment, helping protect waterways and the upstreamwatershed. This woman operated facility can process approximately three metric tonnes of plastic bottles each month and supports the livelihoods of more than 10 informal waste collectors,
“The Somerset Eco MCPC demonstrates that sustainability is most powerful when communities and waste collection eco-system come together,” said Mario Perera, Country Head, Sri Lanka and Maldives, The Coca-Cola Company.
“By bringing renewable energy, responsible waste management, livelihood creation and local partnerships into one model, we are helping demonstrate what a more inclusive circular economy can look like in Sri Lanka. The Coca-Cola Foundation is proud to support solutions that create lasting value for communities and the environment”, he added.
The Somerset Eco MCPC reflects our commitment to integrating renewable energy, circular waste management and community empowerment to protect the sensitive upper watershed while creating lasting environmental and social value,” said Dr. Roshan Rajadurai – Managing Director, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC.
The initiative builds on a longer-term commitment by The Coca-Cola Foundation to community resilience and environmental sustainability in Sri Lanka. Earlier partnerships supported water replenishment, livelihoods and women’s empowerment, while more recent collaborations with Janathakshan have focused on strengthening informal waste collection and PET recycling infrastructure.
Under SWYFT, five women- and youth-led MCPCs were established across Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Matale and Kurunegala, alongside training, improved equipment and low-emission collection systems. The Somerset facility represents the next evolution of that model: moving from recycling infrastructure towards an integrated system where clean energy powers the recovery of resources and creates economic opportunity.
For Janathakshan, the initiative is another step towards building inclusive, community-led systems that connect environmental protection with livelihoods. Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka, CEO/Executive Director of Janathakshan, leads the organisation’s work in advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable development.
