CNMI strives for comprehensive solid waste management

Blas Mafnas is the director of the Solid Waste Management Division under DPW showing KUAM a look at their waste management.   

“This is where all the segregated waste are sorted out and placed in their proper location,” said Mafnas. 

KUAM spoke to him at the lower base transfer station on Saipan. He said the biggest challenge for recyclables is collecting enough of it.

Mafnas, “As soon as we reach a certain quota, such as two or three containers, shipping containers, then that would be going to its destination. Right now, most of our contractors marketplaces either in Korea or through Korea.”

There are plans to create a satellite collection point in Koblerville and Kagman. Everything else that can’t be recycled, ends up there.

Project Manager of the Micronesian Environmental Services, James Benavente said, “We are actually in the Marpi landfill. In front of us here is cell 2 and that way is cell 1.” 

The landfill and transfer station are both around 20 years old. 

He added, “Cell 1, our estimate is about 80 to 90% full. Cell 2, we're just getting started. You know we have a long time. Hopefully with enough waste diversion and segregation, recycling, we can prolong the life of this cell because our next cells have not yet been constructed.”

 

A recent draft Solid Waste Management Plan found that Saipan produces 86 tons of trash a day. However, the economic downturn has resulted in less waste.

The island also manages waste from major construction projects and debris from past typhoons. The CNMI Office of Planning and Development is sourcing a multi-shredder for more efficiency.

Ray Yumul, Secretary of the CNMI Dept. of Public Works said, “So it's not cheap. It's over $1.4 million. It's expected to come in, hopefully before the end of summer.”

Yumul said it will also be used for other municipal waste.