Title: Solid waste in remote communities of Papua New Guinea - a case study on the Kikori delta region

Authors: Carla Eisemberg; Tito Khatiwada; Helen Truscott; Yolarnie Amepou; Aungas Olewale; Celina Padilha

Addresses: Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, Australia ' Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, Australia ' Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, Australia ' Piku Biodiversity Network, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea ' Piku Biodiversity Network, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea ' Waste Free NT, Environment Center NT, Darwin, Australia

Abstract: The increase in availability of industrialised products in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has exacerbated its waste issues in both remote towns and villages. This study quantified and categorised the waste composition in the Kikori delta (PNG) and assessed the level of local awareness. Waste audits and community awareness surveys were conducted at 11 locations from April to September 2019. The waste distribution pattern observed indicated that locations closer to the local store had the highest amount of non-degradable solid waste. Since most of the organic waste in Kikori is already utilised as compost, the main concern in the region is the non-organic waste such as aluminium and plastic. Disposable containers and packaging were the main sources of solid waste. The Kikori community is aware of the problems associated with waste, but there is a need to improve the level of awareness regarding waste disposal and biodegradable alternatives.

Keywords: waste audit; Gulf Province; community awareness; environmental education; waste management; recycling; waste composition; Papua New Guinea; PNG.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2021.118138

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2021 Vol.13 No.3, pp.182 - 200

Received: 09 Jun 2020
Accepted: 23 Sep 2020

Published online: 13 Oct 2021 *

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