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Country Project Samoa

IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF E-WASTE IN SAMOA

E-waste management is a serious issue due to the hazardous component of the items and the limited infrastructures in Pacific Islands countries to safely handle it. Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is utilising PacWastePlus Investment to introduce an E-Waste take back system in the country that will allow for the collection, safe dismantling, export, and recycling of End-Of-Life electronic products.

Project Description

Current Situation
Without viable options for recovery/recycling of End-of-Life Electronics in Samoa, E-Waste is currently landfilled, burnt, or illegally dumped resulting in environmental contamination & pollution placing Samoa’s local communities at risk.

What is the Samoa Project About?
The Samoa PacWastePlus project aims to improve the sustainable management of e-waste in Samoa through the following key outputs/activities:
• Strengthening policy & legislation: Develop E-waste Policy & Regulation
• Increased community awareness program: Develop National Education & Awareness (i.e., strengthen environmental and health impact of improper E-Waste disposal & the new collection system for E-Waste
• Establish dismantling and storage facility for safe handling, storage & proper disposal
• Training on e-waste dismantling (i.e., support circular economy & job creation)

Future Situation
Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment seeks to have an effective and self-funding solution for the collection and recycling of e-waste and to enable the collection, dismantling, and export of electronic waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • By 2023, have created a strong and sustainable legislative environment in Samoa for the long-term operation of an e-waste management system, assigning responsibilities to a relevant government department, private sector agencies ro enable the active and effective management of e-waste.
  • By 2023, have an effective e-waste recovery system operating in Samoa with efficient infrastructure support and an active, engaged partnership between government and the private sector.
  • By 2023, have an informed and engaged community with an increased understanding of the importance of waste management, and knowledge of how to appropriately manage end-of-life electronics.
  • Unsustainable practices: E-Waste is currently landfilled, burnt, or illegally dumped resulting in environmental contamination & pollution placing Samoa’s local communities at risk.
  • No national management scheme (ie. collection, safe handling & storage space & recycling) despite small-scale development in partnership with key stakeholders eg. SWRMA
  • E-Waste currently used up landfill space (Improve landfill management)
  • Legal framework established for the sound management of e-waste in Samoa.
  • E-waste treatment facility established for processing.
  • Improved knowledge on e-waste safe dismantling.
  • Support job creation in the face of Covid-19.
  • A fully established electronic recovery system that is sustainably managed that captures, processes and recovers 100% of electric and electronic waste (EEEW) that is at the end of life.