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Three different video stories about Water and plastic bags and its impacts for people daily life routines in Cook Islands

Short animation to provide Cook Island communities an overview of their new recycling initiative, Return and Earn. The animation explains how residents can recycle eligible items and earn money, while also highlighting the environmental benefits of reducing litter and keeping their island clean. By taking part, communities contribute to a healthier environment, support local recycling efforts, and help protect the natural beauty of our Pacific home.

This short animation provides an overview for Rarotonga residences on proper waste disposal practices. It highlights the environmental and health risks associated with illegal dumping and open burning of waste, and encourages residents to make use of the free household waste collection service. The animation advises that by choosing to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly, households can contribute to a cleaner and healthier Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands Waste Analysis Reoirt provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of waste generation, composition and management across the country. It serves as a foundational document to guide policy formulation, infrastructure development and stakeholder coordination toward a more efficient, inclusive and sustainable waste management system. Data and information captured in this report is guided by the overarching Regional Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting Framework (DCMR)

There is no specific legislation dedicated solely to waste management in the Cook Islands. Instead, waste-related responsibilities are governed through broader environmental and public health laws. In 2013, the government introduced the National Solid Waste Strategy 2013–2016, which provided context and direction for improving waste management across the islands. The strategy aims to enhance waste reduction, recycling, and disposal systems, but also highlights the lack of reliable data on waste generation and management as a key challenge.

PacWastePlus assisted Cook Islands to improve recyclables management throughout the populated islands. This video provides a summary of the project activities.

Short video on what types of waste are ending up in the Rarotonga Landfill and why it matters. The video emphasises the importance of sorting waste, reducing what we send to landfill, and finding better alternatives through recycling and composting. Ideal for schools, community groups, and public campaigns, this video encourages everyone to rethink their waste and take action

Items are imported into the Cool Islands in growing numbers but there are currently limited viable options for their end-of-life management and or export. Most items imported are disposed of at landfills or stockpiled on vacant land.

The Cook Islands are leading efforts to reduce plastic pollution, as reported to the second session of a UN commission on plastic waste. Since 2012, they’ve enforced single-use plastic bans and promoted zero-waste strategies. They joined 12 other Pacific nations in advocating for a strong, legally binding global plastics treaty. Domestically, the Cook Islands are drafting new laws to ban items like plastic straws and polystyrene containers and will introduce disposal fees to reduce waste. They also received $3 million in international funding to develop circular economy solutions such as reuse and eco-design.

This toolkit aims to provide teachers across the Pacific with resources and activities that will allow them to increase awareness of the issues surrounding waste generation and disposal, as well as enabling students to plan and implement strategies appropriate to their schools, homes and communities to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.