Garbage Landfills

The Deadly Attraction

Open landfills near elephant habitats have become deadly feeding grounds for elephants. Elephants are drawn to the smell of food waste and often consume harmful materials such as plastic, polythene, and toxic substances, which can lead to fatal health consequences.

There are many such landfills in Sri Lanka. In Ampara district alone, there are over 4 such landfills, and the most dangerous landfill I have seen is in Pottuvil Town Council. There are no gates or drains to prevent elephants from coming into this landfill.

The Problem

Open landfills near elephant habitats have become deadly feeding grounds for elephants. Elephants are drawn to the smell of food waste and often consume harmful materials such as plastic, polythene, and toxic substances, which can lead to fatal health consequences.

There are many in Sri Lanka. In Ampara district there over 4 such Landfills and the most dangerous landfill, I have seen is in Pottuvil Town Council. There's no gates, or drains to prevent Elephants coming into this Landfill.

No Barriers

Lack of gates, fences, or drains allows unrestricted elephant access to dangerous waste.

Plastic Consumption

Elephants ingest plastic bags and polythene mixed with food waste, causing fatal blockages.

Toxic Materials

Exposure to chemicals, batteries, and other hazardous waste leads to poisoning.

Food Waste Attraction

The smell of decomposing food draws elephants away from natural habitats.

Health Consequences

Physical Health

Intestinal blockages from plastic ingestion
Poisoning from toxic chemicals and heavy metals
Malnutrition from eating non-nutritious waste
Injuries from sharp objects and broken glass

Long-term Impact

Slow and painful deaths from internal damage
Reduced reproductive capacity in affected populations
Behavioral changes and dependency on landfills
Spread of disease within elephant herds

Case Study: Pottuvil Landfill

Most Dangerous Landfill in Sri Lanka

Location: Pottuvil Town Council, Ampara District

Issues Identified:

Completely open access - no gates or fencing
No drainage systems to deter elephant entry
Located near known elephant corridors
Mixed waste including hazardous materials
Regular elephant visits documented

Documentation: Evidence of the dangerous conditions has been captured in images A2-1, A2-2, A2-3, A2-4, and A2-5, showing the complete lack of security measures and elephant access to toxic waste.

Urgent Action Needed: Immediate installation of barriers and proper waste management systems.

Actions to be Taken

We have developed a comprehensive 4-step action plan to address the landfill crisis and protect elephants from toxic waste consumption:

1.1

Identify Critical Landfill Sites

Conduct a nationwide survey to identify open landfills located within or near elephant migration routes and habitats.

1.2

Construct Secure, Enclosed Landfills

Design and build fully enclosed, secure landfills with reinforced fencing, deep barriers, and proper waste management protocols to prevent elephant access. There needs to be more 24/7 security personnel placed in these landfills to stop elephants entering by destroying the secured fencing.

1.3

Relocate Landfills if Necessary

Where possible, relocate waste disposal sites away from protected wildlife zones and elephant corridors. There are many land areas owned by the Government or the Local Government authorities which can be allocated for more secured Landfills.

1.4

Launch Waste Awareness Campaigns

Educate local communities and municipalities about the dangers of open garbage dumping and encourage segregation and eco-friendly waste practices. Due to poor funding, local government takes no action to safeguard the lives of our Giants. We are destroying the reproduction system of these Giants by letting them consume Medical waste and human waste. Some of the elephants who survive by eating these waste are much bloated than the normal elephants.