The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged significant progress in waste reduction and disaster resilience by its partners in the Pacific Islands. This recognition coincides with America Recycles Day and the release of the National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution.
Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, stated, "EPA is proud to recognize zero waste and resilience achievements in American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. The Pacific Islands continue to develop innovative, community-centered models to protect the environment." She emphasized that local programs are actively preventing plastic pollution and reducing waste across landfills, waterways, and oceans while also lowering methane emissions.
In Guam, a record-breaking 146,798 tons of green waste and food scraps were composted in 2023. This effort included substantial amounts of green waste segregated after Typhoon Mawar. Additionally, Guam launched an EPA grant-funded program called “Composting in Every Village” aimed at reducing residential food and yard waste while promoting fresh local food production.
Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero expressed pride in Guam's recycling efforts: “Despite the global challenges, our island community remains steadfast in our commitment to sustain our island’s recycling efforts... With a reported recycling rate of over 60%, Guam has proven that recycling played a crucial role in Guam’s disaster management and recovery."
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) marked its progress with events such as a Solid Waste and Recycling Week ceremony hosted by the Governor’s Office. CNMI also acquired multi-shredder equipment for managing bulky debris from typhoons at Marpi Landfill.
Governor Arnold I. Palacios commented on CNMI's dedication: "The natural beauty of our islands is a precious and limited resource... The CNMI remains committed to reducing and refusing waste."
American Samoa has implemented an enforceable Polystyrene Foam Container Ban targeting polystyrene food containers' importation and distribution. In 2024 alone, fifty-six villages collected over 13,000 pounds of litter as part of their beautification efforts.
Fa‘amamata Meredith from American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency highlighted these achievements: "Through effective policy making... American Samoa is making significant strides towards environmental sustainability."
EPA continues to offer resources such as grants for recycling initiatives along with various online tools aimed at helping communities manage waste effectively.
For more information on these initiatives or resources available through EPA's Pacific Southwest Region visit their official website or social media platforms.
