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Te Punanga o te Ipukarea

Waste
Management

Supporting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Cook Islands through responsible waste disposal, recycling, and environmental stewardship.

Infrastructure Cook Islands Waste Management Division oversees solid waste, liquid waste, recycling services, and waste minimisation initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.

4R's Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Zero Waste Cook Islands goal
ARDF Advance Recovery & Disposal Fee
Infrastructure Cook Islands Waste Management
Cleaner Islands Working together to protect our land, lagoon, ocean, and communities.
Waste Management facility in Rarotonga

About Waste Management

The Waste Management Division within the Ministry of Infrastructure Cook Islands plays a vital role in overseeing the safe and efficient disposal of both liquid and solid waste in Rarotonga.

The Waste Facility, including the Landfill, Oxidation Ponds, and Recycling Centres, serves as a central hub for waste management activities. Waste Management also supports the Pa Enua with waste-related initiatives and recycling programs.

Solid Waste Liquid Waste Recycling Roadside Collection Pa Enua Support

Recycle & Earn

The Recycle & Earn program allows the public to register, deliver eligible recyclable items such as plastic bottles and aluminium cans, and receive a cashless payout through E-Moni.

Customers should register first, prepare clean and sorted recyclables, then drop them off at an approved depot where staff can record the transaction.

Recycle and Earn Cook Islands

What We Do

Waste Management provides essential services to help manage waste responsibly and promote better recycling habits across the Cook Islands.

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Recycling Services

Supporting the separation, return, processing, and exportation of recyclable materials such as plastics, cans, and other recoverable items.

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Roadside Collection

Collection services help households dispose of general waste and recyclables in a more responsible and environmentally conscious way.

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Waste Facility

Managing the landfill, oxidation ponds, recycling centres, and disposal operations for solid and liquid waste streams.

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Pa Enua Support

Providing support to the Pa Enua through recycling depot planning, waste reduction initiatives, and improved waste management processes.

Rarotonga Roadside Collection

The Cook Islands Government offers a Roadside Collection service to Rarotonga residents to promote responsible household waste disposal.

Residents are encouraged to separate and clean recyclables, secure their rubbish bags, and follow the correct collection days for their area.

Please ensure bags are visible and secured. Prohibited items and mixed waste may not be collected. Maximum bin weight is 22kg.
A

Monday

Zone A collection for Paringaru, Ngatangiia to Matavera areas.

B

Tuesday

Zone B collection for Paringaru, Ngatangiia East to Ngatangiia areas.

C

Wednesday

Zone C collection for Rutaki North, Inave Road, Ruaau, and Arerega South areas.

D

Thursday

Zone D collection for Ruaau-Arerenga North to Nikao Panama areas.

E

Friday

Zone E collection for Avatiu East to Takuvaine and Atupa areas.

F

Saturday

Zone F collection for Tupapa Maraerenga areas.

Disposal Fees

Waste disposal fees apply to waste brought to the facility during operating days and times. Waste should be separated and sorted before delivery.

  • Landfill tipping fees for cars, utes, vans, trailers, trucks, and skip bins
  • Liquid waste disposal fees based on volume
  • Recyclable waste fees for glass bottles, plastic, aluminium cans, and tin cans
  • Commercial fees and after-hours charges available by enquiry
View Fees

Upcoming Projects

Waste Management continues to work on projects that improve recycling, landfill management, liquid waste treatment, and long-term sustainability.

  • Landfill compaction improvements
  • Desludging of oxidation ponds
  • Pa Enua recycling depot development
  • Advance Recovery & Disposal Fee Scheme
  • Waste Management office extension
View Projects

Visit or Contact Us

Waste Management is located on Vairauara Road, Ruaau, Arorangi, Rarotonga, between Arorangi Prison and Triad Quarry.

Physical Address Vairauara Road, Ruaau, Arorangi, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Phone +682 29039

Help Us Keep Cook Islands Clean

Separate your recyclables, follow your collection days, and register for Recycle & Earn to support a cleaner, more sustainable Cook Islands.

100,000+ tons of waste recycled annually
to protect our planet.

Partner with us to create a cleaner, more sustainable community.

What you will get

Exceptional service

Fast support

Comprehensive services

Get in touch with us