Policy framework
National Action Plan
Name:
National Waste Management Strategy 2019 – 2023
Brief description:
The National Waste Management Strategy 2019-2023 provides an integrated framework for the sound management of solid waste and chemical and hazardous waste in Samoa.
Legal framework
Name:
Waste (Plastic Bag) Management Regulations 2018
Brief description:
The Regulations came into effect in January 2019 banning the importation, selling, distribution, use and manufacturing of (i) plastic shopping bags, (ii) plastic packing bags, and (iii) plastic straws. An amendment to include Styrofoams such as take away food containers, cups and trays in the ban has been approved and currently in force.
Measures
Measures |
Achievements |
Prevention and reduction of plastic waste generation |
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Charge for single-use plastic products (e.g. shopping bags) | |
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: |
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Actions for encouraging sustainable / circular product design | |
No particular change observed Comments: There are a growing number of bottled water companies in Samoa including other beverages such as locally made health drinks / juices using ginger, lemon and turmeric. A decision by the Samoa Coca Cola Beverage Company to discontinue the use of glass bottles in favor of plastic bottles is cause for great concern. At present, Samoa is finalizing its Container Deposit Levy or Container Refund Schemes. Samoa recently launched the Circular Economy for the Recovery of Waste (CERO) Waste Programme supported by the United Nations Development Programme’s COVID-19 Rapid Financing Facility, and co-funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose support has been facilitated by the British High Commission in Apia. The project is set to “create sustainable and inclusive livelihood opportunities to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in Samoa”. |
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Regulations on microplastics | |
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: |
Measures |
Achievements |
Environmentally sound waste management |
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Enforcement of proper waste management system | |
Names of actions: Brief description: |
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: |
Prevention of littering, illegal dumping and unintentional leakage of waste into the ocean | |
Names of actions: Brief description: |
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: |
Others | |
Development of the National Effluent Standards for Samoa | Samoa through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is working with key stakeholders to finalize Samoa’s NES. |
Measures |
Achievements |
Cleanup of marine plastic litter |
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Collection of scattered waste on beach | |
Names of actions: Brief description: |
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: |
Removal of plastic litter from the ocean | |
No particular change observed Comments: However, MNRE through its Water Resources Division piloted the installation of trash booms with the support of SRPEP for 3 years. The project was successful in preventing rubbish including plastic from entering the sea. Data was collected and as a result the Ministry established its River Ecosystem Health Monitoring (REHM) Program targeting problematic urban river systems. This program was effective in monitoring illegal dumping of rubbish into the rivers and along river banks. Since 2014 the Ministry has undertaken fortnightly site visits targeting families residing along the riverbanks. At present, traditional monitoring structures are being utilized to monitor and report to the ministry through village bylaws. Given the practical success of the trash booms, the Ministry has procured biolog-filters with the support of JICA to be installed at Fagalii village. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) through its Fisheries Division is responsible for monitoring all fishing vessels including monitoring/recording of waste such as plastics used by fishermen and fishing vessels are disposed of appropriately upon arrival. This is one good example of managing plastic waste produced as a result of commercial fishing operations. |
Measures |
Achievements |
Promotion of innovative solutions |
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Policy actions for encouraging plastic alternatives (e.g. biodegradable plastics, circular product design – including use of recycled materials or closed-loop recycling) | |
Names of actions: Brief description: |
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: |
Public-private partnerships for creating and implementing innovative solution | |
Names of actions: Brief description: |
No particular change observed Comments: |
Measures |
Achievements |
Education and awareness raising |
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Education system for encouraging public awareness on MPL issues | |
We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: Numerical data: |
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Awareness-raising campaigns related to MPL | |
National level: Names of actions: Brief description: Local level: Names of actions: Brief description: International / Regional level: Names of actions: Brief description: |
National level: We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: Local level: We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years Comments: International / Regional level: No particular change observed |
Measures |
Achievements |
Monitoring & Scientific research on marine plastic litter |
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Actions for encouraging monitoring / scientific research on plastic flows and ocean surface microplastics | |
No particular change observed Comments: |
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Engagement in international/regional level actions for encouraging monitoring / scientific research on plastic flows and ocean surface microplastics | |
No particular change observed Comments: |
Challenges
- Recycling system improvement
- Proper waste management system (including lack of local capacity)
- Data collection related to waste in general
- Data collection related to marine plastic litter
- Lack of awareness among citizens, business, local governments
- Lack of financial incentives for waste treatment in general
- Lack of financial incentives for technology development
- Project delays due to COVID-19
Best practices
National level
Key interventions target improvements in four key areas, strengthening of the policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the sustainable management of solid waste; effective management of waste collection contracts; implementation of waste minimization strategies and sustainable infrastructure for managing solid waste and At present, Samoa has approved its Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy 2019 – 2023 which integrates sound management of chemicals and hazardous waste as part of overall waste management strategies. The Waste Management Act 2010 and plastic ban (plastic shopping bags, plastic straws and plastic packing bags) Regulations 2018 are now in force. Waste audits are conducted at village level and as part of national clean up campaigns. Ongoing monitoring for plastic ban which includes only plastic shopping bags, plastic straws and plastic packing bags.
Local level
Community driven mangrove clean up campaigns are very effective in raising awareness on the impact of plastic pollution. Local NGOs have also contributed positively in promoting community based initiatives through community driven mangrove clean ups and restoration programs.
Private sector
Partnership in installing of collection cages at main super markets and public places as a primary interception measures to capture/recover plastics for recycling.
International cooperation
Access to funding to implement key priorities. This is evident in the many projects targeting waste management currently being implemented by the Ministry and key partners.