The processing of organic waste in Samoa will come under the radar of the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association this year, says the organisation's executive.

The S.R.W.M.A. President Marine Keil, who was retained as the head of the association this year, told the Samoa Observer that organic waste will be added to the list of tasks they have for this year.

She said currently they have engaged a green waste management company Jotta Limited which has the expertise in this particular field.

"Right now we have Jotta, a green waste company on board, leading the organic waste stream, with their expertise in this field we will be working together in identifying issues that lie within this new waste stream the association has added," Mrs. Keil told the Samoa Observer in an emailed response. 

"Jotta has been collecting tree trimmings and grass clippings for mulching, from our discussions, there is a breakdown in the wood chipping machine.

“And with COVID trying to get parts is expensive, the segregation of general waste and stock feed is one of the biggest problems and not having the proper machinery and facility to process waste when it arrives is one of many issues."

Currently, the association is seeking funding to assist the development of its organic waste stream, added Mrs. Keil.

"So it can contribute to our crops and our environment and to the lifespan of our landfill, it's exciting to see where our organic waste will lead us in the future."

According to Mrs. Keil, the association is slowly growing, however they need more people on board to support their work. 

Asked about her reappointment as the association President, Mrs. Keil said she is happy to stay for another term.

"My appointment is all God's timing, there's a few things I'd like to accomplish before I step down from being the President and I'm sure I can achieve it this term," she said.

“Once I have [achieved them], I'll be ready to hand over the reigns, got so many capable candidates on our team, that we won't have a problem with me being replaced.”

This year the S.R.W.M.A. will focus on raising awareness and education and will start by sponsoring schools to make monthly visits to its yard to learn more about the importance of the “3 Rs of waste management”.

“We will cover the costs so if your school is interested [please] contact us, there's plans to go out to the public once a month to promote 3rs,” said Mrs Keil.

“Apart from education and awareness we have to walk the talk and do a lot of action, where we will complete our 1 million pledge from last year for export bottle to bottle recycling, continue our glass project with zero waste, export the first waste oil and first e-waste container out of Samoa.

"Our machinery has arrived and we will also  start our plastic recycling to product in the next month courtesy of JICA/JPRISM II so can't wait for this to take place."

The National University of Samoa (N.U.S.), which has been a member of the association for the past two years will be joined by the University of South Pacific (U.S.P.) Samoa Campus, which Mrs. Keil said could not have come at a better time and is a “blessing”.

The collaboration between the N.U.S. and the U.S.P. Samoa Campus with the S.R.W.M.A. will also have a number of benefits, according to Mrs Keil, which includes the promotion of the association’s programmes to school-age children throughout Samoa.

"Sets a good example for not only their students but to all schools in Samoa to follow, both universities have excellent waste management plans in place on Campus to promote 3rs and each has their own strengths, that they bring to the table to compliment each other  to benefit our projects and together with all our members we plan to achieve our goals," she said. 

"Waste is everyone's responsibility and it's important we all work together to help look after our environment, we don't have another planet as a Plan B, this is it, we need to act now.

“You can help by making a change, be the change together as one, we can make a huge impact.

“I encourage Samoa to join our 3rs movement and together we can help save planet earth."