Towards Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Tuvalu

Plastic waste poses an escalating challenge for Tuvalu, a small island developing state with limited landmass, fragile ecosystems, and virtually limited domestic plastic recycling infrastructure. In Funafuti, the capital, plastic waste particularly single-use packaging and disposable nappies constitutes a significant share of household and institutional waste, exacerbating pressure on the already saturated national dumpsite and contributing to marine pollution. This study investigates the types of plastic waste, behavioural and systemic drivers of disposal practices, and opportunities for integrated waste management in Tuvalu through national, regional, and international lenses. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including household surveys, interviews with key stakeholders from government, healthcare, business, and communities, and an observationalstudy for the hospital. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used to interpret behavioural factors. Key findings reveal that public awareness of plastic waste issues is high, but structural barriers such as irregular collection, policy gaps, and fragmented institutional responsibilities undermine effective action. Although many residents' express willingness to reduce plastic use, this is often constrained by cost, lack of alternatives, and weak policy enforcement. Regional initiatives led by SPREP, such as Pacific Waste Management (PacWastePlus), and Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), have provided technical and financial support. Yet, the sustainability of donor-driven programs remains uncertain. International frameworks, including the Basel Convention and the ongoing International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, including in the marine environment, offer potential pathways for Tuvalu to access support and strengthen national responses. The study recommends a multi-tiered strategy combining local behaviour change, improved inter-agency coordination, and stronger engagement with regional and international mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability in plastic waste governance.