The regionally endorsed Cleaner Pacific 2025 strategy set a target for the performance indicator per capita generation of municipal solid waste of 1.3 kilograms or less per person per day by 2020.
The Pacific countries and territories have estimated waste production below this target, with the exception of the Mariana Islands, French Polynesia, Guam, Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu. However, 16 countries and territories have estimated waste generation rates near or above the global average of 0.74 kilograms per day, with far fewer resources to safely manage and dispose of this waste.
Reducing per capita waste generation provides financial benefits and greater safety for people and ecosystems, even during disasters. Safe management of the excess wastes produced following a disaster is a long-term planning priority for Pacific island nations.