Managing solid waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing Pacific nations. The heavy reliance on imported goods in many Pacific islands creates a one-way influx of materials into these small island developing states. As a result, various types of waste—such as used packaging, plastics, containers, batteries, electronic waste (e-waste), and abandoned machinery—accumulate on the islands, often polluting the surrounding oceans. Recently, end-of-life vehicles and waste generated by natural disasters have added to the problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue with an increase in medical and pharmaceutical waste, including personal protective equipment, face masks, and single-use packaging.
The limited capacity to manage solid waste is tied to factors such as geographical isolation, high costs of collection and disposal, dispersed and small populations, and economies that lack scale. Landfilling remains the primary method of waste disposal for most small island developing states, but land availability is a growing concern. Implementing integrated solid waste management systems that address these unique challenges is essential for reducing waste volumes and extending the life of existing landfills.
