x
LATEST ARTICLE Buy green bonds: a sustainable investment for a greener future Read Article

Green Wheels Plastic Collection Project, Sri Lanka

This project combats plastic pollution in Sri Lanka by collecting and recycling plastic waste, creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Project general info

Location
sri-lanka-flag Sri Lanka
Project goal
The project aims to collect and recycle 6,500 tonnes of plastic waste from Sri Lanka's natural environment with the use of electric bikes (e-bikes), fostering a cleaner environment and supporting a circular economy.
Team members
nicholas wall_profile picture_orange (1)

Nicholas Wall
Head of New Projects

thomas donia_profile picture_orange

Thomas Donia
Director of Operations

Project description

The Green Wheels Plastic Collection Project, initiated by DGB Group in partnership with Eco Spindles, is an innovative effort to combat plastic pollution in Sri Lanka. Using a fleet of locally manufactured e-bikes, the project collects and recycles plastic waste from beaches, riverbanks, and other natural areas. The recycled plastic is transformed into products such as textile fibres and brush filaments, supporting local manufacturing and advancing a circular economy.

 

By following Verra’s Plastic Standard and ensuring a minimum project lifetime of seven years, the project meets the highest environmental standards while contributing to biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable economic opportunities. 

Project ID
Pilot feasibility study completed, currently in the project design phase - Listing at registry.
E_SDG_Icons-01
E-WEB-Goal-03 1
E_SDG_Icons-05
E_SDG_Icons-08
E_SDG_Icons-09
E_SDG_Icons-11
E_SDG_Icons-12
E_SDG_Icons-14
E_SDG_Icons-15
1

Positive impact on local communities

Socially, the project will create numerous job opportunities for locals, particularly in the waste collection and processing sectors. This will provide valuable employment in communities, enhance skills, and improve economic stability. Culturally, cleaner environments foster a greater sense of community pride and enhance the aesthetic value of natural landscapes. This is particularly important in areas like Sri Lanka, where natural beauty is a significant cultural and economic asset, attracting tourists and supporting local traditions. Moreover, by converting collected plastic into new products, the initiative promotes waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Sri Lanka Plastic Removal Project_bullet point 1
2

Positive impact on the environment

Environmentally, the project will significantly reduce plastic pollution on beaches and in marine environments, improving ecosystem health and biodiversity. Removing plastic waste from these areas will also prevent wildlife, such as elephants and marine species, from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic, which can be fatal. This initiative not only safeguards animals but also restores vital habitats, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Sri Lanka Plastic Removal Project_bullet point 2
3

Project timeline

The feasibility study of the Green Wheels Plastic Collection Project has been successfully completed, and it is now transitioning to the project design and listing at regisry phase. A key partnership for the project expansion has been secured with Eco Spindles, a leader in plastic recycling, processing plastic waste into valuable products like yarn and technical filaments.

The evaluation of the pilot phase and preparations for scaling up are scheduled for completion in Q1 2025. Full-scale operations, featuring 50 e-bikes, are planned to begin in Q3 2025. The first issuance of plastic credits is expected in Q4 2026.

Sri Lanka Plastic Removal Project_bullet point 3-min

Green Wheels Plastic Collection Project pipeline

  • New projects
  • Feasibility study
  • Project design
  • Project validation
  • Project implementation
  • Periodic verification
  • Project completion

The project's impact

This initiative tackles the pressing issue of plastic pollution in Sri Lanka by collecting and recycling plastic waste from natural environments. Through this effort, the project not only restores the beauty and health of ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, safer environment for local communities.

 

By removing plastic waste, the project reduces exposure to harmful pollutants that can adversely affect the health of residents. Cleaner environments help mitigate health risks, from minor irritations caused by pollution to severe diseases linked to long-term exposure. Moreover, the recycling process supports sustainable practices, turning waste into valuable products and promoting a circular economy, further enhancing the project's environmental and social benefits.

UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals_Brand-01
6,500 tonnes of plastic to be removed
100 kg of plastic to be removed p/d per e-bike

Project timeline

sri-lanka-flag Sri Lanka

About this region

The project is being implemented in four locations across Sri Lanka: the coastal areas of Mirissa, Colombo, and Negombo, and the historic city of Anuradhapura. These areas showcase the island’s unique landscapes, ranging from sandy beaches and lush mangroves to bustling urban centres and ancient cultural sites surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Sri Lanka is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including iconic species like elephants, leopards, sea turtles, and dolphins. Coastal areas like Mirissa and Negombo support vibrant coral reefs and migratory whales, while Anuradhapura’s dry tropical forests host unique species adapted to semi-arid conditions.

Plastic pollution in these regions poses a serious threat to wildlife, with animals often ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste, which can be fatal. By targeting these specific locations, the project protects vital habitats, preserves biodiversity, and restores the health of ecosystems critical to wildlife and communities that depend on them.

What we will achieve with this project

6,500

tonnes of plastic to be removed

100

kg of plastic to be collected per e-bike per day

6,500

plastic credits to be generated

Find out more in the project booklet

Join us to witness the incredible transformation as we create cleaner, healthier environments. Together, we can make a lasting impact and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations.

EN PIN Sri Lanka Plastic Removal Project_mock up

DGB project diaries

Explore our impactful projects' latest updates and progress from the local management team.

We're thrilled to share another achievement in our ongoing efforts to bring 150,000 energy-efficient..

We’re excited to update you on the Greenzone Reforestation Project in Cameroon! Our efforts to resto..

The Hongera Reforestation Project continues to achieve significant milestones in our mission to rest..

Project investment process

orange circle_1

Assess your plastic footprint

The first step is to measure and understand the impact of your business’ plastic use and commit to environmental responsibility. By doing so, businesses can take steps to compensate for their plastic use, benefit the planet, and gain a competitive edge. Our projects prioritise environmental preservation, offering businesses a path to a cleaner future.

orange circle_2

Invest in plastic-credit solutions

Once you've measured your plastic impact, the next step is to compensate for your plastic footprint. Plastic compensation is about investing in positive environmental impact. Our plastic credits ensure you contribute to tangible, nature-positive outcomes that align with your values and vision, contributing to a more sustainable world.

orange circle_3

Report on your nature-positive impact

After you have compensated for your plastic footprint, you can celebrate being nature positive. You can communicate your positive impact to stakeholders with the help of DGB. This isn't just about accountability and transparency; it's an opportunity to inspire others and showcase the tangible benefits of investing in environmental preservation.


How can we help you?

At the core of our mission lies the preservation of nature and the fostering of biodiversity. DGB Group is actively working to restore nature. Join us in creating a greener future through impactful nature-based projects. Reach out to us to learn more about our work.