Educational institutions across Sri Lanka rely on a wide range of chemicals for science education, laboratory experiments, and research activities. Over time, many of these chemicals become expired, obsolete, degraded, or unsuitable for use due to changing curricula, aging stocks, inadequate storage conditions, and limited inventory management systems. As a result, hazardous chemicals have accumulated in laboratory stores and storage facilities across the country, often remaining unidentified, poorly segregated, or improperly managed.  

Of particular concern are chemicals contaminated with or containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and other hazardous substances. These chemicals pose significant risks to human health and the environment due to their toxicity, persistence, and potential to contaminate air, soil, and water. In school settings, where large numbers of students, teachers, and support staff are present, poor storage conditions increase the likelihood of accidental spills, leaks, fires, and direct exposure to hazardous substances, creating an urgent need for intervention.  

Recognizing these risks, the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with UNDP Sri Lanka, implemented this project. Conducted with the support of the Ministry of Education, the assessment identified approximately 30 metric tonnes of POPs contaminated/ expired chemicals stored in 737 schools across 8 provinces namely the Central, North Central, Northwestern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, and Western provinces highlighting a significant environmental and public health challenge requiring immediate action.  

Many of these chemicals have remained in storage for decades, with some stocks estimated to be more than 60 years old, primarily due to the lack of financial resources and technical mechanisms required for their safe disposal. The prolonged storage of these materials poses significant environmental and public health risks, including accidental releases, human exposure, and the deterioration of storage conditions.

To address this challenge, the project is undertaking the safe collection, transportation, and environmentally sound disposal of obsolete and hazardous chemicals identified in schools throughout Sri Lanka. A licensed and experienced hazardous waste management service provider has been engaged to carry out these activities in accordance with national regulations and international best practices.  

This intervention will eliminate decades-old hazardous chemical stockpiles, reduce risks to students, teachers, and school communities, prevent environmental contamination, and strengthen Sri Lanka's capacity for the environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and wastes. It also directly supports the country's commitments under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, while contributing to broader national efforts to protect human health and the environment.