Coca-Cola Foundation Backs Hydro-Powered Plastic Waste Facility in Sri Lanka
The Coca-Cola Foundation has partnered with Janathakshan to establish a hydro-powered facility in Sri Lanka, setting a new benchmark for circular economy practices. The Somerset Eco Material Collection and Processing Centre (MCPC) is powered entirely by hydropower from a nearby small-scale plant on the Nanu Oya River.
The centre, located within the Nuwara Eliya highlands, collects plastic waste from surrounding communities and processes approximately three metric tonnes of plastic bottles each month. This woman-operated facility supports the livelihoods of over 10 informal waste collectors and reduces the carbon footprint associated with both processing and collection.
'The Somerset Eco MCPC demonstrates that sustainability is most powerful when communities and waste collection eco-system come together,' said The Coca-Cola Company Country Head, Sri Lanka and Maldives Mario Perera. This initiative reflects a commitment to integrating renewable energy, circular waste management, and community empowerment to protect the sensitive upper watershed while creating lasting environmental and social value.