MNRE Advances Sustainable Waste Management with New Landfill Weighbridge

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has improved its waste management system by officially launching a new weighbridge at the Tafaigata Landfill.

This new equipment, introduced by the MNRE, replaces the old system and enhances Samoa’s ability to accurately measure the waste entering the landfill.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) the new weighbridge is more than just an upgrade to infrastructure.

It will provide more dependable data, helping the government better understand waste generation and disposal patterns.

This information will support landfill management, infrastructure planning, policy-making, and decision-making processes.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo cutting the ribbon to officially open the new weighbridge.

The weighbridge was supplied through the Japanese Technical Cooperation Project for the Promotion of Regional Initiative on Solid Waste Management in Pacific Island Countries (J-PRISM 3).

JICA also provided technical training, improved data management procedures, and enhanced reporting systems for landfill operations.

This project reflects Samoa’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, and sustainable waste management system.

The government recognizes the ongoing support from Japan, JICA, J-PRISM 3, and other partners who helped make this initiative possible.

The new weighbridge will also strengthen waste data collection and analysis, allowing Samoa to better monitor waste trends.

It will help improve landfill efficiency, plan for future infrastructure needs, and create policies that promote waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and resource recovery.

The launch ceremony was led by the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Ale Vena Ale and attended by representatives from the Government Agencies, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), development partners, and waste sector stakeholders.