The Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT) facility received over 8,000 items of legacy waste from across Rarotonga between November 2024 and June 2025, marking the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Titā ki te Titā Kore programme. This phase focused on the collection and removal of electronic waste, household appliances, and End of Life Vehicles (ELVs). It followed the success of Phase 1, which saw the removal and export of 52 containers made up of both 20 foot and 40 foot containers, with a combined total weight of 286,101 kilograms. These containers were primarily filled with electronic waste and whiteware, making a significant impact in clearing accumulated legacy items across the island.
In contrast, Phase 2 placed greater emphasis on the collection and processing of ELVs, responding to the growing number of abandoned and unused vehicles on Rarotonga. It was anticipated that June would see the highest volume of collections, and this proved true, with 1,741 electronic waste items, 1,507 whiteware and household appliances, and 346 ELVs collected and processed in that month alone.
Thanks to strong collaboration and community participation, Phase 2 achieved the safe collection, transport, and processing of 3,608 items of electronic waste, 4,238 household whiteware items, and 1,057 End of Life Vehicles. Overall, the combined results from Phase 1 and Phase 2 saw a total of 9,008 electronic waste items removed, 9,646 whiteware items removed, and 2,183 ELVs removed from the island.
To support this work, NES received funding under the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial year appropriations, enabling the safe removal and responsible recycling of legacy waste that had built up over time. Legacy waste has long been acknowledged by NES as a significant environmental challenge and is prioritised within the 5 Year Strategic Framework, National Environment Policy 2022 to 2032, and multiple Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to which the Cook Islands is a party. As we continue to improve waste management in the Cook Islands, it is clear that embracing circular economy principles is essential. Designing out waste, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems will help reduce future build-up of legacy waste. The Solid and Hazardous Waste Act 2025, which is now in force, will play a key role in this shift by providing the legal framework to better regulate how waste is managed, processed, and disposed of.
Halatoa Fua, NES Director, acknowledged the Cook Islands Government for allocating funds to assist with the safe removal of legacy waste on Rarotonga. He stated, “The leakage of waste to water, air, and soil also impacts our human health. We must protect our environment by doing what is right.”
NES sincerely appreciates the partnership with local business Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT). Their operational expertise, unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in the success of this initiative. Thanks to their commitment, Rarotonga’s environment is becoming cleaner and safer, setting a strong foundation for sustainable waste management in the years ahead. NES would especially like to acknowledge Jessie Sword, Malcolm Sword, and the entire CIGT team for their ongoing collaboration and continuous support throughout this programme.
