USAID and Lumala Revolutionize Waste Management Practices in Sri Lanka

Photo of an electric assist bicycle with a small trailer attached to the back.
Credit: The Island Online
In Sri Lanka, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program partnered with Lumala, the country’s leading bicycle manufacturer, as a part of its broader efforts in Galle and Jaffna to improve waste collection and routing.

To ensure that local waste collectors have the tools and resources needed to more widely and efficiently collect waste, the Eco Hauler Initiative designed and distributed e-bikes and carts. In addition to enabling waste collectors to cover more area and in less time, the Eco Haulers also now support residents living on smaller, narrow roads who have previously burned or disposed of waste in the surrounding environment. 

Cross posted from the Island Online

In collaboration with the USAID Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, City Cycle Industries Manufacturing (Pvt.) Ltd., better known as Lumala, has consistently led the eco-friendly innovation charge in Sri Lanka’s bicycle industry.

This advanced e-bike cart is designed to tackle the urgent waste management issues in Sri Lanka, where daily plastic waste generation reaches approximately 938 metric tons, with only four percent being recycled. The Eco Hauler initiative aims to combat ocean plastic pollution, address climate change, and boost waste collection efficiency in both urban and coastal areas, alongside riverbanks.

Characterized by its affordability, low operating costs, high load capacity, and eco-friendly design, the Eco Hauler reflects Lumala’s holistic approach to sustainability, and are actively seeking collaborations with municipalities, community organizations, and various stakeholders to enhance waste management practices throughout Sri Lanka and magnify the impact of the Eco Hauler.

Tariq Miflal, Lumala’s CEO, encapsulates their vision: “Lumala is more than just about innovating products; it’s about envisioning and actualizing a sustainable future for Sri Lanka. The Eco Hauler embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability, paving the way for a cleaner, greener planet.” This philosophy underscores Lumala’s role as a leader in providing smart mobility solutions and fostering environmental sustainability.