The National Environment Service (NES), through the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) funded by the Australian Government and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), has completed the Plastic Shredder Feasibility Study for the Aitutaki Waste Facility. The study was undertaken and prepared by engineering and environmental consultancy Tonkin + Taylor to assess whether investing in a plastic shredder would provide a practical, sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing plastic waste in Aitutaki.
The study examined current plastic waste volumes, infrastructure, operational requirements, environmental and financial considerations, and potential recycling markets to determine the most suitable long-term management option for plastic waste in Aitutaki.
The assessment found that PET plastic bottles are the dominant plastic waste stream on Aitutaki, with an estimated 60 m³ (approximately 6 tonnes) of PET bottles already stockpiled at the Aitutaki Waste Facility awaiting processing. This growing stockpile highlights the increasing pressure on the waste facility and demonstrates the urgent need to improve plastic recovery and recycling systems to prevent further overflow and reduce the amount of PET entering the landfill.
While several plastic shredder options were assessed, the study concluded that purchasing a plastic shredder is not currently the most financially viable solution. This is largely due to the absence of a confirmed end-market for shredded PET plastics and the high costs associated with exporting shredded material. Instead, the study recommends strengthening existing baling operations and utilising established export pathways for whole baled PET bottles.
Moving forward, NES will work closely with Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), the Aitutaki Island Government and key partners to improve PET bottle recovery and baling operations, explore opportunities to incorporate Aitutaki’s PET plastics into the existing Coca-Cola PET recycling and export programme through Rarotonga, and continue identifying practical, long-term solutions to reduce plastic waste entering the landfill. The study provides an important evidence base to guide future investment decisions and supports the Cook Islands’ commitment to improving resource recovery and reducing plastic pollution across the Pa Enua. View the full report here:
