FSM Project

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) country project is designed to divert organic wastes from landfill in Chuuk and Yap by introducing composting programmes for communities currently without garbage collection services. The project will facilitate consultation with relevant stakeholders and local communities to identify and implement suitable organic processing programmes.

Project Description

Situation in 2018

64% of the FSM’s waste to landfill is organic material. Organics dumped in landfills generate leachate and methane gas, impacting the environment. Whilst organic materials composted and placed back on soils assist with moisture retention, organic growth, and is, therefore, a valuable input into agricultural pursuits.

What was the FSM's Project About?

Introduction of composting programmes in Chuuk and Yap to accept and process all organic waste generated in local communities through the following:

• Undertake a feasibility study to design a suitable composting program
• Implementation of composting programs for targeted communities to support agricultural activities.
  Construction of a composting facility in Chuuk to process all organic waste collected
• Establishment of a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Women’s Council, and local institutions to ensure the sustainability of the composting program.

Future Situation

All organic wastes generated are diverted to organic waste processing systems, thereby eliminating land and water contamination from dumping, landfilling, and burning. The compost is then used back on land to improve crops and retain quality soils.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1. Implement organics processing systems in place in Weno and Colonia 
2. All communities in Weno and Yap have access to organic waste collection services and education/ awareness.
3. Build capacity through development and provision of resources and training materials.
4. Advanced Recovery and Disposal Fee

Key outcomes from Project Intervention

Key Outcomes & Impacts

The FSM National Government has taken a significant step forward in environmental stewardship with the introduction of its National Waste Strategy that integrate the waste management efforts of all four states—Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and  Kosrae—under  a  cohesive framework aimed at enhancing sustainability and public health.
Recognising  the  environmental hazards   posed   by   landfilling organic  materials,    FSM  initiated pilot programmes in Chuuk and Yap to divert organic waste from landfills. These programmes encompass the implementation of landfill bans on organic waste, the construction of centralised composting facilities, and the development of community-based composting initiatives in areas lacking formal waste collection services. Compost produced from the composting facilities are utilised by local farmers and communities, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.

The success of these initiatives is attributed to strong partnerships among the Environmental Protection Agencies, Divisions of Agriculture, and Divisions of Public Works in the two states. Collaboratively, these entities have ensured the effective diversion of organic materials from landfills and their transformation into valuable compost. Ongoing training programs conducted by the Divisions of Agriculture and EPAs continue to empower local communities with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable organic management practices.

Through the National Waste Strategy, FSM exemplifies a comprehensive and collaborative approach to waste management, fostering environmental resilience and community well-being.

Key Project Achievements

• 1 National Waste Strategy
• 2 Standard Operation Procedure for Compost Facilities
• 1 state wide ban of organic to landfill (Yap State)
• 4 facilities receiving and processing organic materials (1 Central Facility in Chuuk, 2 Communal facilities in Yap, and 1 Central Facility in Yap)
• 3 employment created in Yap to manage the organic facility
• 35 Government staff had their capacity built on Waste Audits
• 18 Government staff had their capacity built on Organic Processing
• 100% self haul organic materials diverted to Yap Compost Facility

Supporting Documents

The following table provides a complete list of all documents developed during the project, including technical guidelines, training materials, reports, and communication resources. Where possible, links to the documents hosted on the SPREP website have been included to enable direct access.