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Disposal of Asbestos Waste in Pacific Island Countries/Territories : A Position Paper, March 2025

SPREP Publications, Waste Management and Pollution Control

Available Online

This Position Paper highlights the problem of asbestos disposal in the Pacific region, including Timor Leste. There remains a significant amount of legacy asbestos containing material (ACM) to be managed and the safe disposal of ACM waste is the focus of this paper. Once landfilled or entombed, the asbestos containing material (ACM) should not be disturbed. A PESTLE analysis little doubt that local burial of asbestos waste, conducted and maintained under strict health and safety protocols, is the best solution to the legacy issues of ACM in Pacific Island countries. However, some challenges remain, including political and community resistance, cultural concerns, and securing adequate funding for infrastructure.

Asbestos in Soils - Factsheet

SPREP Publications, Waste Management and Pollution Control

Available Online

Note that this factsheet applies principally to poor historical management of asbestos materials, and not to illegal disposal or landfilling activities related to waste generated offsite. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the only infection route established as causing harm to people. Other exposure routes (such as dermal contact or clothing contamination) may contribute to secondary exposure i.e. subsequent re-release of fibers into the air and inhalation following the initial exposure and are therefore important. If friable asbestos, i.e., materials that are easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder with hand pressure, are identified in or on soil, all the following actions shall be taken: isolate and secure the area, minimize the release of fibers into the air, engage an appropriate asbestos removal contractor to conduct asbestos removal work.

Assessing the Risks and Solutions for Asbestos Containing Material Waste Disposal in the Pacific

SPREP Publications, Waste Management and Pollution Control

Available Online

Asbestos removal (remediation) requires careful procedures, and the waste materials must be disposed of safely, ensuring that no-one can breathe in the hazardous fibers during remediation, transport, and disposal. Once landfilled or entombed, the asbestos containing material (ACM) should not be disturbed. A PESTLE analysis leaves little doubt that local burial of asbestos waste, conducted and maintained under strict health and safety protocols, is the best solution to the legacy issues of ACM in Pacific Island countries. However, some challenges remain, including political and community resistance, cultural concerns, and securing adequate funding for infrastructure.

Project Snapshot - Tuvalu

SPREP Publications, Waste Management and Pollution Control

Available Online

Recognising Tuvalu has insufficient space to continually rely on waste disposal and stockpiling, the Tuvalu department of waste management (DWM) has recently implemented several initiatives to improve solid and hazardous waste management and reduce risks to their people and environment. Many of these initiatives have focused on the capital island, Funafuti - home to 50% of the population. The DWM now seeks to extend waste management initiatives to Tuvalu’s eight Outer Islands.

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