News - Jun 4, 2025 Transforming Waste into a Resource: Empowering Communities with Composting Skills in Papua New Guinea

To tackle the 40% of organic material being disposed of at Port Moresby’s Baruni Landfill, the National Capital District Council (NCDC) relies on the waste picker community to undertake ongoing composting activities.

NCDC requested the PacWastePlus training in the “Operation of Medium-Scale Compost Facilities in the Pacific and Timor Leste” and specifically invited the waste picker community.

There is no compost facility currently in place in Port Moresby, but an area of the Baruni Landfill was identified in a Master Plan as a suitable site as it has access to town water supply (with variable water pressure) and can access equipment owned by the contractor running the Baruni Landfill.

The hands-on composting training was undertaken at this location (with classroom sessions held in the landfill’s administration building) – equipping 13 participants, including NCDC staff and waste pickers, with the practical knowledge to establish and manage a compost facility.

On Day 1, participants began by preparing the composting area, sourcing equipment, and setting up the first composting batch. They learned to chop, shred, and remove contaminants from the organic material, and set up a compost batch with the current balance of materials and checking the water and air. The following day, participants checked on their training batch, attended classroom sessions, and returned to apply their learning by setting up new compost batches.

Throughout the training, the combination of theoretical concepts and practical skills allowed participants to gain a clear understanding of the composting process, from air-food-water balance to monitoring and troubleshooting.

After the training, most of the participants reported an increase in their knowledge with feedback indicating that the training was not only educational but also sparked a sense of ownership and community engagement.

“I will teach my friends and family. Instead of waste picking all day, I will make my own compost from organic waste disposed of at the landfill” said Tere Girau

“This training is helpful to mothers who are not working, minimising organic waste going to the landfill, and creating compost for gardens” said Luka Peter

Waste pickers are now equipped with a new skill set to create compost for their gardens, reducing waste in the landfill and increasing their capacity to contribute to the local economy.

The training didn’t stop at just the two days of workshops. Participants continue to receive remote support with the trainer through WhatsApp, ensuring that their composting efforts remain on track.

As Papua New Guinea moves forward with plans for a new composting facility at Baruni Landfill, the training has laid a strong foundation for a more sustainable and resourceful future.

The training was delivered by Tonkin + Taylor International with support by the PacWastePlus programme.