SCRAP Metal
After extensive reconnaissance in the Pacific Islands and intense consultation with island communities, it became obvious that scrap metal was a significant environmental issue that needed addressing. Here is the story of how we helped Islanders address this problem.
First Stop: Auckland City Council
First we travelled to New Zealand to see how Auckland City Council manages scrap metal on their local islands. Auckland City Council were extremely generous and cooperative with their assistance and ongoing support from the outset.
Niue Pilot
Next we identified an island to pilot a scrap metal collection, processing and export project. After travelling extensively around the Pacific, we learnt that Niue had been storing a collection of scrap metal but had been unable to process it because the cost to do so was commercially unviable. After consulting with the Niue Government we organised to pilot the program. NZAID graciously provided the $50,000 bond for the baler that would be shipped from New Zealand. Reef shipping's visionary CEO, Wayne Harris Dawe, agreed to take the baler to Niue and transport the baled and downsized metal back to New Zealand free of charge. Sims Pacific Metal in Queensland sponsored the Feasibility Study and the Work Health, Safety and Capacity Building on island. IHF, a German NGO, partnered with us to produce two video's on how to process scrap metal on an island. The Office of Prime Minister, Finance and the Environment, coordinated the program on island. Niueans, with the assistance of a local private company, collected more scrap metal. It was a beautiful collective undertaking.
How to Process Scrap Metal on Your Island
With the support of Sims Metal, we then produced two films called "Niue Scrap Metal" and "How to Process Scrap Metal on your island". These films were distributed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Program at a Pacific wide waste management workship in Samoa. We continued to distribute the films there after and they are now availabe on PAA's You Tube Channel.
Film: Niue Scrap Metal Pilot Film: How to Process Scrap Metal on Your Island
Pacific Aid Australia went on to provide and faciliate scrap emtal projects, information and capacity building throughout the Pacific. In Tahiti, the Societe Environnement Polynesiene successfully trialled the exportation to Auckland of the first consignment of its 2,500 annual tonnes of baled cars and scrap metal when previously they baled their vehicles and buried them in landfill. Tahiti’s Waste Management Department (SEP) continues to export scrap metal to Auckland with over 2,500 tonnes of baled cars now being exported and recycled annually. We were nomitaed by the Pacific Island Regional Recycling Initiative Committee (PIRRIP) to “establish a Regional Plan for metal waste removal”. PIRRIP represents Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshal Islands. PAA commissioned a five day training course in scrap metal processing from Sims Pacific Metal in Queensland for the three countries, developed by Sims Metal. Sims Metal also completed an assessment and feasability study on removing scrap metal from Easter Island for us. Sims Pacific Metal donated a Harris Torch Gun, fluorescent work vests and goggles for efficient and safe oxycutting. At PAA's request Sims aso travelled to Kiribati and Tuvalu to assist with the development of a scrap metal program. Scrap metal is now regularly shipped from Tuvalu to Australia for recycling.
Resources
Scrap Metal Recycling Fact Sheet - Clean Up Australia
Metal List with Glossary and Common Scrap Metals
Scrap Metal Identification - the Scrap Metal Junkie
Pacific Aid Australia (ABN: 69108077176) is endorsed as an Overseas Aid Deductible Gift Recipient. Donations of $2 or more to Paciic Aid Australia are tax deductible in Australia. Pacific Aid Australia is not affiliated with any parent organisation.