Noonu Natrally > Roadmaps > plans > Building a Circular Economy (LDP-2)

Developing waste management strategies

Noonu Atoll Council is committed to tackling waste management challenges in islands. Council will begin with a thorough situational analysis, assessing current waste generation, collection methods, and disposal practices. Based on this analysis, council will develop a comprehensive waste management guideline. This guideline will explore various solutions, potentially including waste reduction initiatives, improved waste collection systems, and exploring recycling technologies. Recognizing the importance of collective action, council will foster knowledge sharing and collaboration with residents, businesses, and environmental organizations. By working together, the Noonu Atoll Council aims to establish effective waste management practices that ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for our island communities.

From:: January 2022
To:: June 2023

100%

Completed

Chronology

Leading Team

Sustainability Team

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

4.2 Waste Management

Assessing Waste Management

To establish a circular economy, a comprehensive waste audit must be conducted to understand the types, quantities, and sources of waste generated across the atoll. This involves analyzing waste bins, conducting surveys, and consulting with communities. Additionally, an assessment of the existing waste management infrastructure, including collection systems, storage facilities, and disposal methods, is necessary to identify gaps and limitations. Reviewing national and local legislation and policies related to waste management will help evaluate their effectiveness and compliance. Finally, identifying and mapping all relevant stakeholders, including island communities, government agencies, NGOs, private sector, and tourism operators, is crucial for successful implementation of a circular economy.

Strategy Development

To transition towards a circular economy, the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, dispose) should be implemented as the guiding principle, prioritizing waste prevention and resource recovery over disposal. Tailored circular economy and waste management plans should be developed for each inhabited island, considering their unique needs, resources, and opportunities. Promoting resource efficiency across all sectors, including tourism, fishing, and agriculture, is essential. Encouraging sustainable practices like water conservation, energy saving, and responsible resource extraction will contribute to a more circular economy.

Planning Solutions

To facilitate a circular economy, efficient waste collection systems with source separation at homes and businesses should be established. Communities must be trained on proper waste sorting and provided with separate bins for different waste streams. Centralized or island-based recycling and composting facilities should be planned, exploring innovative technologies like anaerobic digestion for organic waste treatment. A culture of reuse and repair should be promoted through community initiatives, workshops, and incentives for businesses, encouraging the use of durable and reusable products. Moreover, local businesses should be encouraged to adopt circular product design principles that minimize waste generation and maximize product lifespan through modularity, repairability, and recyclability.

Fostering Knowledge and Collaboration

To successfully implement a circular economy, capacity building programs must be provided for communities, businesses, and government officials. These programs should focus on circular economy principles, waste management best practices, and emerging technologies. A platform for knowledge sharing and best practice exchange between islands and other regions implementing circular economy solutions will facilitate learning and collaboration. Actively engaging island communities in co-creating solutions and implementing the circular economy strategy will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for a sustainable future.