News - Nov 8, 2024 Addressing Holistic Waste Management in the Tuvaruhu Community: A Behavioural Change Initiative in the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands face an ongoing waste management crisis, particularly in the Tuvaruhu community in Honiara.

Inconsistent waste collection services force residents to find alternative methods, such as storing waste in metal drums or burning it when it accumulates. This has led to widespread environmental pollution and normalised improper waste disposal habits. Compounding the issue is the lack of waste segregation and disposal infrastructure, which encourages practices like dumping waste in the nearby Mataniko River, contributing to health and environmental hazards.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the PacWastePlus programme, a behavioural change initiative to improve waste management in Tuvaruhu project was designed and commenced.

Through community consultations, fieldwork, and a series of pre-tests, key behavioural drivers and barriers of behaviour were identified. These insights informed the development of tailored interventions that promote sustainable waste practices, focusing on both economic incentives and community engagement to shift deeply ingrained waste management behaviours.

The research highlighted the need for viable alternatives to current waste disposal methods, as well as the potential to foster a circular economy in Tuvaruhu.

There is already some community engagement, with women’s groups and youth clubs already practicing recycling and composting. Based on these findings, the ‘Tanem Tuvaruhu ‘initiative was created, which includes a community hub for circular economy practices, waste collection pathways, and a dedicated market for selling recycled goods.

The next steps involve piloting these interventions, establishing infrastructure for waste segregation, and supporting local entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses that contribute to a circular economy.