Republic of Marshall Islands

The overflowing Jable–Batkan dumpsite in Majuro is an urgent problem for waste management faced in the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI). RMI sought support to introduce a programme to divert the largest two components of waste - organics (17%) and paper/cardboard (22%) - from landfill and instead be processed and transported to an existing organic facility.

Project Description

Situation in 2018

Without viable options for recovery/recycling, the RMI has relied primarily on the disposal of waste to dumps – the main dumpsite at Jable–Batkan in Majuro. This dumpsite has long exceeded its design capacity with waste now pushed up to 17m high against a seawall on the ocean side of the atoll.

What was the RMI Project About?

The project included:
• Construction of a shed to the dedication of a portion of the landfill site as organic and paper/card processing
• Equipment to shred items (either during collection or upon arrival at landfill site) to reduce their volume and complete initial step for composting
• System to transport materials for processing at a composting facility
• Training for composting facility operators
• Bag and sale of compost to the community

Future Situation

The RMI EPA seek for this project to:
• increase the lifespan of a recently constructed temporary landfill by ~40%
• providing compost for communities
• providing a showcase for organics management on Majuro with the results and resources shared with other islands in the RMI
• provide an alternate income for the waste management company

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1.  System in operation collecting organics and paper/ cardboard from households and businesses 
2.  Facilities and equipment for diverting organics and paper/cardboard and processing into resource
3.  Communities effectively participating in the organics and paper/card programs

Key Outcomes from Project Implementation

Key Outcomes & Impacts

In response to the national emergency declared at the overcapacity Majuro dumpsite, a targeted, high-impact waste diversion project was implemented to address the two largest contributors – organic material and paper/cardboard.

The initiative aligned stakeholders, strengthened capacity, provided heavy equipment and technology, and upgraded composting systems, to convert waste into valuable products – compost and fire briquettes - for use by local communities and businesses. Education and awareness programs supported behaviour change and fostered a circular economy approach.

Key Project Achievements

• 2  sites using best practice waste management and segregation (Laura Organics, and Landfill / Recycle Centre)
• 10 training courses delivered increasing capacity  to safely manage healthcare waste, hazardous waste and hazmat, organics, waste auditing, schools curriculum, and equipment operation and maintenance
• 168m3/50 tonnes per month of organic material diverted from landfill
• 4,000 households in Majuro provided organic materials collection
• 100% of wholesale suppliers provided paper and cardboard collection

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.