The Solid Waste Management project began as a partnership between the CPL
Foundation Inc and USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program which was
initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2022. This
partnership aims to establish an effective waste management system and build
capacity for CPL to implement the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle across its
operations. Initially focused on developing staff-led SWM/3R (Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle) Guidelines for CPL facilities in Port Moresby, the project transitioned under
CPL’s Health and Safety Department for implementation.
Key activities included:
- Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS): Conducted in July
2023 at six CPL sites to identify waste types and characteristics. - Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Survey: Held in late 2023 to assess
staff attitudes and willingness to participate in SWM/3R practices. - SWM Guidelines Workshop: A November 2023 workshop involved 31 CPL
staff across various departments and sites, contributing to the development of
actionable waste management guidelines. - Train the Trainer Workshop: A November 2024 workshop involved 11
participants for a 2-day training. Facilitated by USAID’s CCBO team, the
workshop equipped the participants with comprehensive knowledge in waste
segregation, reduction, recycling, disposal techniques, and strategies for
community engagement and behaviour change. These certified trainers who
are are now empowered to spearhead sustainable SWM initiatives across
CPL’s operations.
The project also inaugurated a Material Recovery Facility (MRF), funded by USAID
and valued at approximately USD50,000. The MRF features four compartments:
biodegradables, residuals, cartons/boxes, and recyclables and is complemented by
color-coded wheelie bins for effective waste segregation before reaching the facility.
The official launch included the handover of the SWM/3R Guidelines to CPL Group,
marking the start of the pilot program in Port Moresby. CPL Group employees have
benefited from several CCBO-led training sessions, covering waste analysis,
guideline optimization, waste segregation, and occupational health and safety.