SAMOA, February 20 - [20th February 2025]- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) Samoa is pleased to announce a significant milestone in addressing Samoa’s growing e-waste issue. In partnership with Samsung Electronics New Zealand, Blue Orca, Echo, and the Samoa and Tokelau Association of Recyclers (S.T.A.R), over 12.9 tons of electronic waste (e-waste) have been successfully transported to New Zealand for responsible recycling.

E-waste continues to be one of the largest and most challenging waste streams in Samoa, with limited options available for safe disposal and recycling. The collaboration between MNRE, Samsung New Zealand, and other key partners marks a major step in addressing the environmental threat posed by e-waste, which contains toxic metals that can severely affect our natural ecosystems.

Under the Moana Taka Partnership initiative with Swire Shipping, 12,911 kg of e-waste were collected and shipped to New Zealand, where they will be recycled responsibly. This initiative prevented 76.35 kg of toxic metals from contaminating the soil and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3,702 kg, providing significant environmental and community benefits.

Samoa’s participation in this program follows a 2024 assessment conducted by Blue Orca, which highlighted the limited local recycling infrastructure across the Pacific Islands. The findings emphasized the need for greater action in managing e-waste responsibly, as the region faces mounting environmental pressures.

“The initiative led by Samsung New Zealand and their partners is a crucial step in protecting Samoa’s environment. With e-waste being one of our most significant waste streams, this partnership plays an essential role in ensuring that we handle electronic waste in a responsible and sustainable way”

This is the message from the Waste Management and Pollution Control Division of the MNRE. Furthermore, the Ministry is committed to working with all stakeholders to create solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainability across the nation.

The program also aligns with MNRE’s ongoing efforts to address waste management and environmental protection in the Pacific Islands. It complements the Ministry’s broader strategy to minimize harmful waste, raise awareness on environmental conservation, and foster regional cooperation on sustainability issues.

Samsung New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability, alongside its ongoing collaboration with local organizations like Echo, has already seen the successful recycling of over 73 tonnes of e- waste in New Zealand through collection drives and awareness campaigns.

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with MNRE Samoa and local stakeholders like S.T.A.R., who play an integral role in this initiative,” said Shannon Watts, Marketing Director for Samsung Electronics New Zealand. “Together, we are taking tangible steps toward mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste in Samoa and the broader Pacific region.”

The Ministry encourages the public to continue supporting these efforts by responsibly disposing of their electronic waste and participating in future recycling programs. As we move forward, MNRE Samoa will continue to work closely with international and local partners to strengthen Samoa’s waste management infrastructure and foster a more sustainable future for all Samoans.

E-Waste Collection Breakdown:

Samoa:

• 12,911 kg of e-waste collected

• 3,702.8 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

• 76.35 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill

ENDS

February 28, 2025