Solid Waste Management in Pacific Island Countries and Territories

Abstract

Poor municipal solid waste management is a major threat to sustainable development in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories, with potentially negative consequences on public health, environmental quality, water resources, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, trade and other areas of national development. Waste management in the Pacific Islands region is currently undergoing a transformation, which began in the early to mid 2000s with consistent support from several donors. Even with the progress being made through regional initiatives and national programs, solid and hazardous waste management remains an ongoing and escalating priority problem for the region. This chapter provides a regional overview of solid waste management in the Pacific Islands region.