The National Capital District is Papua New Guinea’s leading producer of urban solid waste.
Statistics from the NCD Commission reveal that approximately 300 tonnes of solid waste are received daily at the city’s only landfill at Baruni.
In 2015-2016, NCD produced approximately 230,000 tonnes of waste.
About half of this waste comes from households, just over a quarter is commercial and industrial waste and the remainder is markets and public places.
NCD spends close to eight percent of its annual operating budget on managing solid waste indicate that this amount will continue to rise.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop states that the Commission remains committed to its duty in providing essential waste management services.
Parkop says more can be done by residents in reducing their wastes and easing the pressure on NCDC’s resources.
“We should also change our perspectives on waste as waste is a resource from which beneficial products can be made.
“Increasingly, waste is being re-used and recycled to make everyday goods, compost, fuel and electricity.
“The Commission remains focused on working closely with the community and business to implement efficient waste management solutions.”
Parkop added that the NCD Waste Management Plan 2016-2025 launched this week is a guiding document for the development of solutions to waste issues in the NCD.