The landfill at Tafaigata is nearing its end of lifespan and it is struggling to handle the influx of bulky waste items such as e-waste.

The exact date for when the landfill reaches capacity is yet to be determined. 

The Japanese Technical Cooperation Project for Promotion of Regional Initiative on Solid Waste Management in Pacific Island Countries (J-PRISM) is entering its third phase of the program which is a program established by the Japan International Cooperation Agency to assist Pacific Island countries with solid waste management. 

By 2028, a proposed study between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE) and J-PRISM intends to determine the date when the landfill will reach capacity, assess how long it can be further extended out, and implement diversion methods to extend its lifespan. 

Diversion and minimisation efforts such as e-waste collection and recycling programs are currently being put into place by MNRE and other non-government organizations. 

“Hopefully with all our other projects we will complement waste minimization that comes into the landfill and further extend the lifespan of the facility,” said Fuimaono Katenia Rasch, Assistant CEO of the Waste Management Division and Pollution Control Division at MNRE. 

In Samoa, general waste is collected daily in central Apia and twice weekly in other areas. In 2017 J-PRISM conducted a waste audit which surveyed households in urban Upolu and found that the amount of waste that a person generates every day is 1,060 grams, which is equivalent to the weight of one liter plastic water bottle. 

An incoming waste record taken at Tafaigata landfill during one week in January 2018 showed an average of 45 tons of waste recorded daily, which is equivalent to the weight of about 30 average-sized cars, according to the National Waste Management Strategy Report by MNRE. 

By mid-next year the project intends to look into alternative locations for a new landfill and propose a concept design for the new landfill. 

Samoa Conservation Society president James Atherton said focus should given to promote recycling so waste to the landfill can be reduced.

He has called a multifaceted approach to work out ways to lengthen the lifespan of the landfill while increasing recycling and phasing out single use items, especially plastics, via fiscal incentives or bans while working with importers and local companies to encourage the use of less packaging. 

"All components involve a strong public awareness component on the 5 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose and return), on the impacts of waste on the environment and to attempt to reduce the amount of waste we all generate. Perhaps the government could take a leading role by phasing out the use of plastics at all government-sponsored events," he said.