Hiroshan Hettiarachchi

1. Introduction The global waste generation is rising as a result of the increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization, as well as per capita consumption. Proper management of waste is essential, as its mismanagement has a detrimental impact on public health and the environment [,].

Photo courtesy of LKI I was only a few years old when Sri Lanka opened its economy in the late 70s. The influx of plastics into the island was among the few visible changes I remember happening immediately after. Plastic was cheaper, lighter and attractive (at least colorful) compared to the things made of metal or wood that we had back then. Before long, many traditional wooden and metal household items were replaced by plastics.

1. Introduction Plastic is becoming increasingly common in nature, not only due to its massive production rate but because of mismanagement of it as a material, especially when it becomes a waste product. The abundance of plastic waste in the environment and the disintegration of larger plastics into smaller pieces have led to the recent environmental issue that has been named microplastic pollution.