The Cook Islands GEF ISLANDS Project is being implemented by the Cook Islands National Environment Service (NES), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The project aims to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with hazardous waste throughout the Pacific.

In the Cook Islands, this initiative will:

• Improve waste collection and consolidation systems in both Rarotonga and the Pa Enua (Outer Islands).
  
• Establish new storage and processing facilities for e-waste and bulky waste in the Outer Islands.
• Train local operators in the safe dismantling of vehicles and the removal of parts contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
• Undertake waste audits to assess the current waste landscape in each island and guide targeted action.
• Facilitate inter-island transport of recyclable waste materials to Rarotonga for processing and export.
• Collaborate with private sector partners and government agencies to build sustainable systems for repair, dismantling, and recycling.
• Promote national awareness through communications on improved recycling and waste management practices