A recent report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights the significant waste collection challenges faced by per-urban, rural, and outer island communities in the Pacific region. The 2021 Pacific Regional Report reveals that waste collection services are predominantly restricted to capital cities and major urban centers within most Pacific island nations.

The findings indicate that in areas lacking waste collection services, unmanaged waste can range from 27% to as much as 60%. This situation fosters a considerable risk of plastic waste entering the environment. Many commercial businesses and tourism operators are left to manage their own waste collection, which adds to the existing difficulties in rural regions.

The report also points out that municipal authorities often have minimal capacity for community education and waste compliance initiatives. When educational efforts are made, the absence of well-managed dumpsites for safe waste disposal undermines these initiatives. Naboro Sanitary Landfill stands out as the only sanitary landfill in Fiji capable of accepting a variety of waste, including residential and commercial refuse. However, access to this facility involves a tipping fee, and only specific controlled disposal sites are available.

In rural areas, illegal waste disposal methods such as backyard burial and open burning remain common practices, especially when residents are disinclined or unable to transport their waste to authorized council disposal sites.

While these findings paint a challenging picture of waste management in the Pacific, they also highlight the urgent need for improved waste collection services and infrastructure. By addressing these issues and investing in waste management solutions, communities can better protect their environments, paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Enhanced educational programs, increased municipal capacities, and improved facilities can collectively lead to a positive transformation in waste management practices in these underserved areas.

In summary, the IUCN report underscores the critical gaps in waste collection services in the Pacific, revealing the potential environmental risks and highlighting the need for urgent action to improve waste management systems.