The Titā ki te Titā kore project successfully collected and disposed of over 300 tonnes of e-waste and whiteware in Rarotonga, addressing environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal.

A total weight of 286,101 kilograms (315 tonne) of e-waste and whiteware, electronic television screens and scrap metal was collected during the Titā ki te Titā kore - Legacy Waste Project (Electronic and Whiteware Waste) from July 2023 to May 2024.

Te Titā ki te Titā kore project was spearheaded by Te Tu’anga Taporoporo/National Environment Service (NES) in collaboration with Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT).

According to a statement from NES, a total of 52 shipping containers ((33x20 foot, 19x40 foot) were collected and transported to New Zealand for proper disposal and destruction.

Based on the data collected for Rarotonga, the majority of the e-waste that was collected comprised primarily flat screen televisions, speakers and computers.

The whiteware collection consisted mainly of ceiling and free-standing fans, and fridge/freezers.

The two-year project to clean up legacy waste across Rarotonga has cost taxpayers more than $700,000. The project timelines for two financial years, ending 30 June 2025.

NES secured funding from government under its budget appropriation of $360,000 per financial year (for two years).

The Tu’anga Taporoporo/National Environment Service (NES) waste audit per village/Puna for the Titā ki te Titā kore is as follows: Nikao 16,251kg, Puaikura 21,200kg, Titikaveka 41,270kg, Ngatangiia 26,320kg, Matavera 29,180kg, Tupapa 20,800kg, Takuvaine 22,600kg, Ruatonga-Avatiu-Palmerston-Panama-Atupa (RAPPA) 22,880kg, Vaka Container 1: 30,800kg, Vaka Container 2: 6,200kg, Vaka Container 3: 12,900kg, Scrap Metal 35,700kg.

The Titā ki te Titā kore initiative is directed at addressing the environmental and health risks posed by the improper disposal of whiteware, electronic waste (E-waste) and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in Rarotonga.

NES had stated that this forward-looking initiative reflects the Cook Islands Government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management practices.

NES received funds for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial year appropriation to support the safe collection, removal, transportation and recycling of legacy waste.

The issue of legacy waste is acknowledged by NES, as embedded to the 5-Year Strategic Framework, National Environment Policy 2022-32 and work plans under multiple multilateral environment agreements.