Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is proud to announce that it has fulfilled its commitment to addressing the growing e-waste crisis in the Pacific Islands. In partnership with Blue Orca and Echo, Samsung New Zealand has successfully facilitated the transportation and recycling of over 38 tonnes of end-of-life appliances, electrical, and electronic equipment, collected across the Pacific Islands.
This collection in the Pa Enua compliments NES’s Titā ki te Titā kore project ensuring the safe removal of legacy waste reducing the leakage from waste to water, air and soil and reducing impact on human health. Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo along with local partner CIGT, achieved a significant milestone by collecting and transporting 7,400 kg of e-waste from Aitutaki to New Zealand for recycling. This effort resulted in the prevention of 43.77 kg of toxic metals from contaminating the soil and avoided 2,122 kg of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the protection of the environment and benefiting local communities.
In 2024, Samsung New Zealand engaged Blue Orca to assess e-waste challenges across five Pacific Islands – Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Timor-Leste. The assessment revealed a lack of local recycling infrastructure, raising concerns about the environmental impact of unmanaged e-waste in the region.
“The absence of local recycling options and the severe environmental consequences outlined in the report pushed us to take action,” said Shannon Watts, Marketing Director, Samsung Electronics New Zealand. “Through our collaboration with Blue Orca and recycling partner Echo, we’ve been able to drive meaningful change and address the critical e-waste issue facing Pacific Island communities. This initiative helps protect the environment and supports local communities by ensuring responsible recycling of electronic waste.”
“This initiative is a crucial step toward mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste in the Pacific Islands. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo,” added Watts. “We’re proud to have played a role in diverting a significant volume of end-of-life electronics from landfills, ensuring they are now being recycled ethically and responsibly.”
This Pacific Islands recycling program further supports Samsung New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to its global Everyday Sustainability Environmental Strategy, as part of the company’s efforts to contribute to tackle climate change. Over the past two years, Samsung New Zealand, in collaboration with Echo, has successfully recycled more than 73 tonnes of e-waste through local collection drives in Auckland. These initiatives empower New Zealanders to take responsibility for recycling their electronic waste, ensuring that it is handled responsibly and sustainably.
E-Waste Collection Breakdown:
Total e-waste collected: 38,502 kg
Greenhouse gas emissions avoided: 11,042 kg
Toxic metals diverted from landfill: 228 kg
Island Breakdown:
Fiji:
4,328 kg of e-waste collected
1,241 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
25.6 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill
Tonga:
13,863 kg of e-waste collected
3,976 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
81.99 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill
Cook Islands:
43.77 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill
7,400 kg of e-waste collected
2,122 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
Samoa:
12,911 kg of e-waste collected
3,702.8 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
76.35 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill
