| History, Problems, and Progress in E Waste Recycling In-Country |
Despite its diminutive size, the island nation of Palau is home to an astounding array of natural beauty. But gaps in chemicals and waste management pose an increasing threat to both the country’s natural resources and its economic development. In Koror, the country’s commercial capital, households generate over tonnes of waste each year, creating a considerable challenge for collection and disposal. Palau also imports almost all its chemicals for industrial and commercial use, meaning that increasingly hazardous chemicals are being imported and used without appropriate safeguards. |
| E-Wasters Services and Special Practices In-Country |
In Koror State, large and bulky steel waste materials, as well as scrap electrical appliances, are transported to a designated area at the landfill site (the public can request the Koror State Government to collect scrap metal), transporting it to a designated area at the Koror State landfill, where the private company is based. The stored recyclables are shipped overseas independently by the company collecting the material for recycling. A number of other small recyclers recycling scrap metal in Palau, most of whom are auto repairers and parts dealers. A collection point for e-waste has been established at M-Dock Landfill, however, for Palau recyclers it is proving to be a challenging waste stream to find international markets for. There are two recycling companies collecting e-waste: the country’s main scrap dealer/recycler, the Palau Waste Collection Company (PWC), and another small-scale company with a focus on auto-wrecking. |
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