In an effort to rid the island of legacy waste, the ‘Titā ki te Titā kore’ collection project will continue this week in the district of Tupapa, starting tomorrow through to Friday.

The drop off site for the Tupapa electronic-waste (e-waste) and whiteware collection is the vacant section located next door to the Hartal Shop (near Club Raro), from 8:30am to 3:30pm only.

The National Environment Service (NES) in a partnership with Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT) launched Titā ki te Titā kore, E-Waste and Whiteware collection project in September starting with Oire Nikao.

NES and CIGT strongly urge members of the public to stop all acts of illegal waste dumping at the drop-off sites within the district.

In a statement, NES noted the illegal waste dumping could harm the progress of the project. It has also asked people to ensure all items are clean.

The public is also advised to only follow the drop-off sites and dates released by CIGT, the exclusive contractor, and NES office to avoid confusion.

“Commercial and private household rates will apply, and there will be a limit on the number of items individuals can drop off for disposal,” NES said.

“For example, items valued at more than $20, each person can bring up to three items to be disposed of; for items valued less than $20, the maximum limit is seven items per person.

“These measures have been put in place to ensure an efficient and fair collection process.”

Recycling and disposal fees for commercial businesses and private households will be managed by CIGT. Additionally, individuals will be required to register with CIGT to ensure a smooth transition of collection once the programme starts.

This initiative is aimed at tackling the environmental and health risks posed by improper and lack of disposals for whiteware, electronic waste (e-waste) on Rarotonga.

NES received funds in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 appropriations (budgets) to support the safe collection removal, transportation and recycling of legacy waste on Rarotonga.

Environment Services acknowledge “legacy waste” is an issue as embedded in the 5-Year Strategic Framework, National Environment Policy 2022-32 and work plans under multiple Multilateral Environment Agreements.

Households and businesses who require the waste collection programme are asked to complete a registration form available at the drop off site, which is also available on the NES website www.environment.gov.ck.