Hazardous waste is a threat to Pacific people, ecosystems, and species. Hazardous waste is most obviously linked to human health and the health of waterways but can also have far-reaching effects for species and ecosystem services in the Pacific islands and around the world.
The purpose of this indicator is to work towards the full treatment/processing of all hazardous waste generated. Data used to assess this indicator could be the quantity of hazardous waste accepted at landfills/open dumps or at treatment facilities like incinerators. There are few if any dedicated hazardous waste treatment facilities other than incinerators in the region. In the case of highly hazardous chemicals, these chemicals could be generated, stored and exported, and quantifying each step will be important to assess progress towards this indicator.