Tonga Waste Authority Ltd

Tonga Waste Authority Ltd (WAL) is a Government Public Enterprise mandated to manage waste in Tongatapu. We provide commercial, industrial and residential waste collection services and waste management facilities. We promote recycling and waste minimization, and measures to keep the Kingdom clean, green and healthy.

WAL was established in 2006. Prior to this time, Tonga had an ‘out of sight out of mind’ approach to waste management; with poor funding, limited institutional capacity and know how, and inadequate infrastructure. Illegal dumping, burning and littering were commonplace, with environmental impacts clearly evident.

The Waste Management Act 2005 was created to address this crisis, and to establish the responsibilities of WAL. Under the AusAID funded Tonga Solid Waste Management Project, three waste compactor trucks were purchased, a modern sanitary landfill constructed at the Tapuhia Quarry site in Vaini, and plant and machinery provided to operate the site. WAL commenced a regular weekly waste collection service, and began a community campaign to raise awareness and inspire participation in better waste management. There is still some way to go; but every day, the work of WAL makes Tonga cleaner, greener, and healthier.