GOV’T SUPPORTS RECYCLERS WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

The Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology through the Environment and Conservation Division has supported facilitation of the Solomon Islands Recyclers Waste Management Association (SIRWMA) Annual General Meeting on 26 May 2021, at the Honiara City Council Education Conference Room.

The SIRWMA has been formulated to promote recycling activity in the Solomon Islands in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Honiara City Council and JPRISM Project funded by JICA. This was its first AGM after it was formally launched on November 2019 and during the AGM the Association elected its new executive members consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and two ordinary members. In addition, the former executive presented the Association’s Annual and Financial Report and the Annual Work Plan for 2021.

Private sector recyclers are playing an important role in recycling in Solomon Islands. It is necessary to develop a suitable institutional system, incentives, and facilities that will support the recycling business and increase the recycled waste amounts domestically and exported for recycling abroad.

It is now vital that the recyclers identify the issues that are obstructing their work and for the governments and related organizations in foreign countries to work closely to resolve these issues. This association will facilitate discussions on the issues between recyclers and governments, international aid organizations and shipping companies.

The objectives and functions of the association are as follows;

• To promote appropriate and best waste management practices for the protection of Solomon Island’s Environment
• To work towards a ‘Clean, Green and healthy ‘Solomon Islands by promoting and implementing   Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Return (4Rs) principles.
• To represent the voice of Waste Management and Recycling advocates in Solomon Islands for a cleaner environment,
• To support research and investigation for the collection and provision of waste management and recycling information and data in Solomon Islands
• Government and other stakeholders must fully support and recognize the association in terms of financial or political will to help promote recycling industry.

Current core members of the association include industrial waste producers and recyclers. Membership is open to any interested individuals or organizations in the recycling sector.

There is an application form for anyone who is interested to become a member of the Association that can be collected from the Director Waste Management and Control Division, Honiara City Council.

ENDS///

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS UNIT