Kiribati Seeks to Strengthen Waste Management Framework

Tarawa, Kiribati - The government of Kiribati has announced plans to strengthen its policy framework for waste management and pollution control in an effort to ensure trade and environmental sustainability.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

The country has made significant strides in solid waste management, with upgrades to three landfill areas, the launch of private waste collection services, and the processing of e-waste and bulky waste for export. Kiribati’s Integrated Environment Policy (2013) aims to strengthen national capacity to manage chemical and waste effectively and soundly.

Key Measures

• Introduction of an environmental licensing system
• Capacity building efforts to facilitate notification and reporting requirements under existing waste and chemical-related conventions
• Implementation of the “Waste Hierarchy” approach, which prioritizes:
  • Avoidance and minimization of waste
  • Reuse
  • Recycling
  • Recovery
  • Safe disposal

National Solid Waste Management Strategy

The government has developed a Draft National Solid Waste Management Strategy (2007) aimed at ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for all citizens. The strategy:

• Assigns tasks to specific institutions and provides administrative support
• Plans for future solid waste management activities that raise public awareness and allow for public input

Regional and International Recognition

Kiribati’s efforts have been recognized regionally and internationally. The country has submitted reports to the Basel Convention, a global treaty aimed at reducing the generation and transboundary movement of hazardous waste.

Pipeline Activities

• Reviewing the Environment Act (2007)
• Drafting a new National Waste Management Strategy
• Developing an integrated strategy on waste management with assistance from PacWastePlus

Initiatives to Reduce Plastic Waste

The country’s Environment and Conservation Division is working on various initiatives to reduce plastic waste, including:

• “Seeds for plastic” swap scheme
• Efforts to ban single-use plastic shopping bags
• Implementation of the Plastic Free School initiative

Goals

With these efforts, Kiribati aims to strengthen its capacity to manage waste effectively and ensure a safe and healthy environment for its citizens.