Solid Waste Management of Wafer Production Process in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Globally, the wafer industry is rapidly expanding within the food manufacturing sector, con tributing significantly to consumer demand while generating considerable volumes of solid waste at various production stages. In developing countries such as Sri Lanka, where food industries are growing quickly, waste management practices often lag behind industrial expansion, leading to resource inefficiencies, envi ronmental impacts, and increased operational costs. This study aims to assess the magnitude and causes of solid waste generation in wafer production facilities and to propose recommendations for sustainable waste management. A combined methodology of process flow mapping, material balance analysis, and on-site audits was employed to quantify solid waste in each process and to evaluate current management practices. Results showed that total solid waste generation amounts to 882.46 kg per day, with cutter waste contribut ing the highest share at 20.35%, followed by plain sheet waste at 20.22% and oven lumps at 17.58%. The remaining portion consists mainly of cream sheet waste and sweeping waste, underscoring the concentration of waste in a few critical process stages. The findings highlight that weak process control, outdated equip ment, and limited preventive measures exacerbate waste generation. Approximately 50.78% of the total waste, originating from plain sheet damages, cream sheet damages, and cutter waste, is reused for cream preparation and chocolate-coated products, while oven lumps are sold to private parties for chicken feed production. In contrast, sweeping waste, amounting to 115 kg per day, is directly disposed of. Current practices emphasize reuse and recycling, while neglecting waste prevention and reduction at the source. In conclusion, strengthening solid waste management in wafer production requires the development of standard operating procedures, equipment modifications, process optimization, and workforce training to enhance prevention and reduction. Aligning these interventions with extended producer responsibility, as emphasized in Sri Lanka’s waste management policy, will foster more sustainable production practices.