The Northern Mariana Islands is making notable progress toward improving its approach to waste management through the Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (CISWMP). A public hearing took place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Tinian Public Library. This event invited residents to provide feedback on the latest draft of the plan. Many voiced support for expanding recycling services and raised concerns about the timeline for closing the island’s remaining open dumpsites.
The CISWMP, which outlines goals for 2025 through 2030, was developed to address longstanding issues such as limited landfill space and a lack of recycling infrastructure. Created by the Office of Planning and Development in collaboration with the Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Task Force, the plan is funded in part by the US Environmental Protection Agency under the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act.
The plan lays out a roadmap for managing solid waste across Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands. Its main objectives include promoting zero waste strategies to reduce landfill use and increasing the waste diversion rate from 25% to 50% by 2030. Other objectives are building and operating compliant landfills, establishing recycling and composting facilities, and strengthening public education programs focused on sustainability.
The CISWMP also focuses on long-term solutions, such as consistent funding sources, improved infrastructure, and strong leadership to implement reforms effectively.
The CISWMP continues to show measurable progress in improving waste management practices across the Northern Mariana Islands. The plan has led to better coordination between islands, the phased closure of non-compliant landfills, and the establishment of more structured recycling and composting initiatives. The Northern Mariana Islands have additionally started important projects with federal funding, including cleaning up the leftover debris from Super Typhoon Yutu on Saipan and Tinian and beginning construction on a new section (Cell 3) at the Marpi Landfill on Saipan. While some logistical and funding challenges remain—especially on the more remote islands—the CISWMP has laid a strong foundation for long-term sustainability and is widely seen as a step forward in modernizing the territory’s waste infrastructure. Limited access to transportation and equipment on islands like Rota and the Northern Islands makes it difficult to implement standardized waste practices, and funding gaps have delayed the construction of compliant landfills and transfer stations. Additionally, the region faces high costs for importing necessary materials and retaining qualified personnel, which can strain local budgets and slow progress.
Community involvement remains a vital part of this process. In addition to the Tinian hearing, public sessions took place for Rota on May 19 and Saipan on May 22. These events gave residents a chance to shape decisions that will impact waste management across the islands.
Those who could not attend in person had access to the full draft and the opportunity to submit comments through the CISWMP Information Hub. The public comment period remained open until May 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ChST.
Once finalized and implemented, the CISWMP is expected to significantly improve waste handling and environmental health in the CNMI. By engaging the public and planning for future needs, the CNMI aims to build a cleaner, more sustainable environment for generations to come.
0 Comments