Republic of the Marshall Islands
Economic Policy, Planning and Statistics Office
Office of the President
P.O. Box 7
Majuro, MH 96960
Proposal for Improving Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling for Majuro Atoll,
Republic of the Marshall Islands
1. Overview of the Problem
This proposal springs from an earlier OMIP project for the Marshall Islands that was tasked with
assessing the solid waste situation in the Marshall Islands. Because of a number of issues and
constraints the assessment dealt entirely with Majuro Atoll, which is the capital for the Marshall
Islands. There are increasing population pressures and very limited land space available for solid
waste activities. The population density of Majuro is over 6,500 people per square mile! The
environment, public health and economic development are under different potential threats if a
significant change of direction is not taken with the handling and processing of solid waste on
Majuro.
Many of the wastes disposed in Majuro have a high potential for recycling. From governmental,
non-profit and community meetings and discussions, it was apparent that the interest in recycling
is also high at this time. Two different types of recycling programs are feasible, commodity
recycling and organic waste recycling. Commodity recycling includes food and beverage
containers and organics recycling includes yard trimmings, food waste and wood waste. Paper
and cardboard can be recycled either as a commodity or in an organics recycling program.
During visits from a team of solid waste practitioners from the City of San Diego Department of
Environmental Services (partially funded by OMIP), several trips were made to the current
landfill to evaluate incoming loads of waste. Waste from the first four days of a visit was
stockpiled and carefully reviewed and compared with waste composition information provided
by the EPA in their 1996 report. It would appear based on an evaluation of the length of time
being taken to fill up the current landfill, that the tonnage being generated may have been over
estimated in the EPA report by up to 50%. However, with over 60% of the population reported
to be fewer than 30, waste generation will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. The
composition analysis in the EPA report, which was based on projecting an analysis done by the
World Health Organization in 1991, may have under-reported the miscellaneous component. It
was reported as 6% but estimated to be closer to 30% during the visit. However, it was clear that
50% or more of the waste stream is compostable (including the cardboard and paper) and that
there were very large quantities of aluminum cans and plastic Polyethylene terepthalate (PET)
drinking bottles being disposed. There are very high relative percentages of cardboard in the
waste because of the need to import almost all consumer and food products. The high
percentage of plastic water bottles is a reflection of the water quality on the island.
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At this time space in the landfill is very scarce and expansion of the landfill will be of a limited
nature. Waste reduction and recycling assume a much more prominent role because of the space
problems in the landfill. It is anticipated that with the purchase of a tub – grinder and trommel
screen approximately 50% of the waste currently being deposited into the landfill can be diverted
(yard waste, cardboard and wood). Additions of equipment to deal with aluminum cans, plastic
bottles and glass could account for another 12% - 15% of the waste stream. This result of
diverting up 65% waste from the landfill will extend its operational life.
Another area to address will be general public education and awareness. Over the course of the
last year there have been several meetings with the landowners of Majuro. There have also been
smaller meetings with the Majuro Chamber of Commerce. The level of discussion and concern
over this issue is much, much higher than the recent past. However, more will need to be done
particularly if we are looking to people and businesses to begin separating some of their
respective waste streams.
Until this time, recycling efforts have been minimal and focused on sporadic aluminum can
collection at a handful of locations and a brief effort by the RMIEPA in the mid 1990’s from
which it was reported no cans were shipped off the island. Some small-scale organic waste
recycling was noted at the Taiwanese experimental farm in Laura and, in the past, some research
on trench composting had been done at College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) Laura campus.
The Taiwanese farm primarily used chicken and pig wastes combined with crop residues but also
occasionally added copra and fish waste from the processing facilities in Majuro.
From these visits to Majuro, it appears that there is no infrastructure currently in place, which
would be available to assist with the diversion of organic waste materials from landfill disposal.
The current trash collection infrastructure consists of seventy 20-cubic yard roll offs placed
strategically around the island from just east of the airport to the east end of Majuro which are
serviced by two roll off trucks. The collection operates 14 hours a day six days a week and it
was apparent from observations during the visit that, while the roll off sites were generally well
maintained, there was little – if any – additional collection capacity with the existing trucks. The
only chipper observed on the island was the very small-scale unit at the Taiwanese experimental
farm. We were told that Kwajalein did have a large industrial grinder they used to chip and
recycle their green wastes.
2. Proposed Solution
During the course of calendar year 2002 the following events/items have occurred:
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January – MalGov sent the current head of the Sanitation Department to 1 month of basic
MSW training in Samoa. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) sponsored
this.
March – OMIP proposal for Solid Waste Assessment was approved
March – The first of many meetings between the Mayor of Majuro and President Note
concerning solid waste took place.
May, July, and September – The OMIP Solid Waste Assessment Proposal is carried out
by a team of consultants from the Environmental Services Division from the City of San
Diego. The team meets with members of the Cabinet, government officials, the local
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government, Chamber of Commerce, traditional leaders and landowners. The team is
interviewed by the local radio station and newspaper.
May - Officials from MalGov visited the waste and recycling operations at the City of
San Diego.
June and August – RMIEPA and MalGov have a conduct a series of meetings with the
landowners of Majuro concerning solid waste. These meeting were primarily basic
education about the current problems and what they can do to help. There is a great level
of interest and a demand to improve the situation as a result. The level of public pressure
to deal with the problem has increased dramatically.
June, July, and October – There are a number of editorials and stories in the local
newspaper addressing the solid waste situation on Majuro.
August – President Note and the FAS Presidents from FSM and Palau, during the
regional FAS summit, agreed to support more regional efforts in the area of solid waste
and the environment.
October – President Note, in an effort to initiate regional action on solid waste and the
environment, sent an official to Palau to discuss these issues.
November – Officials from RMIEPA and the President’s Office traveled to Kwajalein to
examine waste and recycling efforts on the base and discuss the possibility of training
opportunities for solid waste and waste reduction activities. Environmental Officials
from the base have responded favorably to this request and are awaiting more details
from the RMI Government.
The solution being proposed covers a fairly broad area, but this coverage is the result of
lessons learned in the past, particularly over the last year.
A. Waste Reduction/Recycling Activities
In order to extend the life span of the landfill, waste reduction and recycling activities
have to be implemented. At present about 50% of the waste currently heading into the
landfill could be converted into compost. In addition recycling or reprocessing of other
materials (aluminum, plastic drinking containers, glass and tires) could divert another
10% - 15% of the waste stream from the landfill. However in order for this to occur
some equipment must be purchased. As part of the solution the national government will
purchase a tub – grinder, this is the most essential and most expensive piece of equipment
needed for this activity. It is proposed with the remaining pieces of this highly
specialized equipment is purchased under a 50/50 arrangement between RMI (national
government and MalGov) and OMIP. The goal will be to gradually reduce the amount of
waste entering the landfill. At the end of three years it is anticipated that about 40% of
the current waste stream will be diverted through these efforts, but a reduction of this
magnitude can only occur if there is a purchase of relevant and necessary equipment.
B. Construction
Some construction needs to take place in order for this project to succeed. First MalGov
will begin a modest expansion of the current landfill. This will relieve some of the
pressure on the landfill as it is currently overflowing. This extra space will allow sections
being used now to facilitate operation of the tub – grinder and trommel screen for
composting operations. Second, in order to house the specialized recycling equipment
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MalGov will begin construction of a metal frame building to house this equipment on the
site of the old fill next to the bridge.
C. Training/Capacity Building
There are two major components to this area. The first is basic training and
familiarization at Kwajalein MSW Operations. It is anticipated that over the next three
years personnel from MalGov will spend about 6 weeks on the base. In the first year this
will be 4 weeks. 3 weeks will be spent on the base before equipment arrives in Majuro.
This will allow personnel from MalGov to be exposed to working
MSW/Recycling/Composting operation. In addition, all the MSW/Recycling/Compost
operators at the Kwajalein site are Marshallese, so this will be tremendous benefit in
passing along information to MalGov personnel. The remaining periods will be for
follow – up to ensure potential questions in areas surrounding collection schedules;
organization issues, maintenance tips and public information can be asked and answered.
Being able to work the base is a tremendous opportunity because of its close location to
Majuro, helping to keep down cost of travel, Kwajalein faces many of the same waste
issues as Majuro, and because almost all personnel from Kwajalein are Marshallese
passing along information will be easily facilitated.
Outcome will be that training will be provided for a total of 12 people over the course of
this program.
D. Public Information/Public Education
Another major element will be an expansion of the available information covering solid
waste/recycling and composting. These efforts will be tied into existing programs being
implemented by RMIEPA under other international/regional environmental programs.
The efforts made under this proposal will develop information separation of wastes, what
is composting and recycling. MalGov has a weekly radio show and these topics are
already a regular feature of the program. This information will be made available to all
households on Majuro and to the Ministry of Education for distribution in the schools.
The printing budget in this project will allow MalGov, along with RMI EPA and the
Ministry of Education, to produce enough educational/public information material for
every household on Majuro, as well as some information for people in Ebeye, Jaluit and
Wotje. Information will also be distributed through the school system.
E. Consulting
There will also be a number of consulting activities to support the development of the
above activities. It is envisaged that the same team of consultants from the City of San
Diego will be used; this will help ensure continuity of information and direction. Areas
of consultation will be MSW operations, primarily looking at landfill operations,
collection schedules, recycling/composting activities and department organization.
Another area will concentrate on the development of public information/education
materials by MalGov. The last area of consultation will involve a review of existing
national and local laws and ordinances relating to MSW and related environmental
issues. The aim will be to make the laws and ordinances more relevant to the true
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situation on the ground. Many laws and ordinances in this area have just been imported
from the U.S. and bear little if any relevance to conditions found on Majuro.
The major outcome in this area will be institutional development and strengthening, this
will include advise on operations, planning and maintenance. At the end of the three-year
period the Solid Waste Department should be able to stand on it own.
3. Benefits to be Derived - Outcomes
A. Reduce Direct Landfill Disposal
Approximately 60% of the waste currently being dumped into the landfill could be
diverted with some changes in practices, purchase of equipment and capacity building.
Because space is at such a premium in the landfill, a diversion of this much waste would
be a significant positive development, adding to the lifespan of the current landfill until a
more permanent landfill arrangement can be developed and implemented. The current
thinking is that a goal of a 40% reduction over three years is feasible.
B. Reduce Potential Public Health Hazards/Ease Environmental Strain
Through the production of mulch and compost another source of cover for the landfill
will be produced. This will reduce the potential public health hazed that now exists. In
addition the production of mulch and compost will relieve the strain on the environment
in the lagoon, particularly with dredging, which is the only way to currently provide
covering material for the landfill. Dredging is a major cause of erosion along the lagoon.
C. Better Control of Hazardous Waste
There are no programs in place to deal with items such as used motor oil, batteries and
tires. Since the completion of road paving on Majuro the number of vehicles on Majuro
has increased from 1,800 in 1998 to over 3,100 vehicles in 2002. Controlling this waste
stream is a function of the capacity and professional development not only of MSW
operations but of RMIEPA as well. Examining both the national and local laws and
ordinances associated with issue, MalGov and RMIEPA will be in a better position to
enforce and monitor activities that contribute to the solid waste stream on Majuro.
D. Increase Public Awareness
Efforts at public education dealing with waste reduction and recycling have been, at best,
haphazard in the past. There was little connection or coordination given to the fact there
was almost no capacity or organizational infrastructure to deal with this area. With the
establishment of a more comprehensive waste management program, there needs to be a
corresponding increase and improvement in the quantity and quality of information given
to the public and schools. Every house on Majuro and a significant number in the other
urban areas (Ebeye, Jaluit and Wotje) will receive information concerning many aspects
of solid waste management such as information on waste reduction, separation of waste,
recycling.
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E. More Professional and capable MSW operations
While MalGov has been involved with solid waste collection for many years, it is only in
the last 4 years that modern equipment has been used and a Sanitation Department
created. There has also been little in the way of professional development or training.
This proposal seeks to introduce improved opportunities for training and information for
management and operators. For almost everyone working in the Sanitation Department
at MalGov this program will provide the first elements of professional development and
training they have received in this vital area of municipal services.
There is a definite need to improve the professionalization of solid waste management, to
network, attend training seminars and to be exposed directly to different and appropriate
equipment vendors. Funding would allow for 2 people (MalGov Director of Sanitation
and another rep from MalGov) to attend this important annual convention. Past
experience has shown that unless we can dedicate funding for this activity directly,
people have not been able to use Buddy System Funds to travel to these types of
meetings. Given the nature and scope of this proposal it is seems to be appropriate to
include this type of professional development as one element to be included, at least for
the first two years. After this initial two years it would be up to the Buddy System to
fund this type of activity.
4. Milestones
A. April 03 – Tub Grinder and Trommel Screen Ordered
B. April 03 – Landfill Expansion completed and current landfill prepped to support
composting activities
C. August 03 – Review of National/Local MSW legislation & ordinances completed
D. July – April 03 – 1st trip to Kwajalein completed
E. May – May 03 – Consultants arrive on Island
F. July 03 – Tub grinder & Trommel screen arrive on island
G. August – June 03 – 2nd trip to Kwajalein
H. Aug – Sept 03 – Attend SWANA Conference
I. Nov – Sept 03 – Consultants on Island
J. October 03 – Recycling Equipment ordered
K. October 03 – Site preparation for Recycling Center
L. Jan 04 – 3rd trip to Kwaj
M. Jan 04 – Recycling Equipment arrives on Island
N. Feb – Mar 04 – Consultants on Island
O. June – Apr 04 – 4th trip to Kwaj
P. Aug – Sept 04 – Attend SWANA Conference
Q. Sept 04 – 2nd year of Project Completed
5. Costs
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Year 1
A. Equipment
1. Tub – Grinder - $270,000 CIF Majuro
2. Trommel Screen - $80,000 CIF Majuro
3. Computer Equipment - $9,000
B. Construction
1. Landfill Expansion
Majuro Atoll Local Government (MalGov) will commence a modest expansion of
the current Rairok landfill. A significant portion of this landfill will be prepared
so the use of the tub – grinder, trommel screen and resultant composting operation
can commence this location.
2. Recycling Center
MalGov will begin preparing the old landfill at the bridge as the site for a
recycling center. It is anticipated this will be an erector style metal frame
building to house the recycling equipment planned under Year 2.
C. Training/Capacity Building
1. Kwajalein
It is envisioned that at least 4 personnel from Majuro Local Government will
travel to Kwajalein and shadow counterparts in the Solid Waste Department.
Specifically this will involve the recycling/composting activities as well as
collection and basic management procedures. Before equipment is scheduled to
arrive in Majuro, personnel will work with Kwajalein personnel for a period of 2
– 3 weeks. After the equipment has arrived personnel will again work with
Kwajalein for a period of 1 – 2 weeks.
1St Trip to Kwajalein
A. Hotel – The Kwaj Lodge - 21 days x $20 x 4 = $1,680
B. Per Diem – 21 days x $100 x 4 = $8,400
C. Air Fare – 4 trips x $250 = $1,000
Total = $11,080
2nd Trip to Kwajalein
A. Hotel – Kwaj Lodge – 7 days x $20 x 4 = $560
B. Per Diem – 7 days x $100 x 4 = $2,800
C. Air Fare – 4 trips x $250 = $1,000
Total = $4,360
2. Majuro
Under the RFP’s for the equipment, there will be a line item for a factory
representative to assist with installation and initial operator training. In addition
additional training, particularly with composting activities will be required.
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3. Consultants
This project will utilize the same Solid Waste consultants who were in Majuro
last year working on a Solid Waste assessment report funded by OMIP. These
consultants will focus on organizational and training issues for MalGov,
particularly in landfill management, collection, waste reduction, public
information and education. This budget includes, airfares and per diem.
Year 2
A. Equipment
1. Aluminum Can/Plastic Container Baler - $28,000 – CIF Majuro
2. Glass Pulverizer - $80,000 CIF Majuro
Total = $108,000
B. Training
1. Hotel – Kwaj Lodge – 14 days x $20 x 4 = $1,120
2. Per Diem – 14 days x $100 x 4 = $5,600
3. Air Fare – 8 trips x $250 = $2,000
Total = $8,720
C. Consultants
Year 3.
A. Equipment
Tire Shredder - $75,000 CIF Majuro
B. Training
1. Hotel – Kwaj Lodge – 14 days x $20 x 4 = $1,120
2. Per Diem – 14 days x $100 x 4 = $5,600
3. Air Fare – 8 trips x $250 = $2,000
Total = $8,720
C. Consultants – Follow – up on landfill, collection and other MSW management
activities
Proposed Project Budget
Year 1
Item
Equipment
A. Tub Grinder
B. Trommel Screen
C. Computer, printer
Digital camera, scanner
and software
RMI Share
$270,000
$41,500
$4,500
MalGov
Share
OMIP Share
Total
$41,500
$4,500
$270,000
$83,000
$9,000
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Construction
A. Landfill Expansion
Training/Capacity
Building
Travel to Kwajalein
from Majuro
MalGov MSW
Training
Public
Information/Education
A. Public Info
Specialist
A. Environmental Staff
Trainer/Ed Specialist
B. Printing
Consulting
A. Solid Waste System
Management/Planning
B. Collection/Waste
Reduction
&Recycling
C. Review of National
and Local
Environmental
Legislation
Year 1 TOTALS
$70,000
$70,000
$7,720
$7,720
$15,440
$5,000
$5,000
$10,000
$4,000
$4,000
$8,000
$3,585
$3,585
$7,170
$7,000
$7,000
$14,000
$5,000
$5,000
$10,000
$21,000
$21,000
$42,000
$99,305
$538,610
$369,305
$70,000
Year 2
Item
Equipment
A. Aluminum Can
Baler
B. Glass Pulverizer
Construction
Recycling Center
Training/Capacity
Building
A. Travel to Kwajalein
from Majuro for
MalGov MSW
Training
RMI Share
MalGov Share
OMIP Share
Total
$14,000
$14,000
$28,000
$43,250
$43,250
$86,500
$80,000
$4,360
$80,000
$4,360
$8,720
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Public
Information/Education
Printing
Consulting
MSW
Operations/Composting
Follow - up
Year 2 TOTALS
$2,585
$2,585
$5,170
$20,000
$20,000
$50,000
$84,195
RMI
$84,360
MalGov
$84,195
OMIP
$252,750
Total
RMI Share
MalGov Share
OMIP Share
Total
$35,000
$70,000
$4,360
$4,360
$8,720
$2,585
$2,585
$5,170
$20,000
$40,000
YEAR 3
Item
Equipment
A. Tire Shredder
$35,000
Training/Capacity
Building
A. Travel to Kwajalein
from Majuro
Public
Information/Education
Printing
Consulting
MSW
Operations/Composting
Follow - up
$20,000
Year 3 TOTALS
$55,000
$6,945
$61,945
$133,890
GRAND TOTALS
RMI
$508,700
MalGov
$161,305
OMIP
$245,445
Total
$915,450
Contact Persons
1. Carl S. Hacker – Director, Economic Policy, Planning and Statistics Office
(EPPSO)
EPPSO
Office of the President
P.O. Box 7
Majuro MH, 96960
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Ph – (692) 625 – 3802
Fax – (692) 625 – 3805
E – Mail - planning @ ntamar.com
2. Russell Langrine – Assistant to the Mayor, Majuro Atoll Local Government
(MalGov)
Majuro Atoll Local Government
P.O. Box 796
Majuro MH, 96960
Ph – (692) 625 – 8186
Fax – (692) 625 – 5714
E-Mail @ntamar.com
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