By 2026, all beverage bottle in Vanuatu could come with a 10 vatu deposit- meaning people will get money back when they return empty beverage bottles. 

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DOEC) told media this week, that parliament is set to debate the proposed Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in November. A move aimed at cutting waste and boosting recycling- an initiative centred in discussions between authorities since 2018.

Senior Environmental Officer, Rexton Mogeror told media during an Environmental Seminar held on Tuesday this week, between the Department of Environment, Japanese experts on waste management and other stakeholders to explore stronger waste management systems.

With rising waste volumes and limited space at the Etas Bouffa landfill- the main dumpsite for Port Vila’s growing population, authorities are under pressure to act quickly.

Mogeror said the CDS will introduce a 10 vatu deposit on beverage bottles, which consumers can reclaim when they return the empty bottles.

“When the product comes, the VT10 will already be applied. You pay VT10 at purchase, and when you return the bottle, you get the VT10 back. This discussion started in 2018, and now there is a draft Act ready to be tabled in Parliament. If passed, it will create a major new industry because every bottle will be collected, starting with beverages,” Mogeror explained.

He noted that 25% of waste at the Etas landfill consists of green waste, e-waste (electronic material), and bottles, making up a significant portion of annual waste.

“In just one year, there were 1,738 tonnes of waste, and the recycling and recovery rate is very small. For example, 859 tonnes of bottles come into the country annually, and currently there is no recovery system,” he said.

At the meeting, Japan showcased its successful waste management practices, including strict household waste separation led by housewifes, clear laws enforced by local government, and community monitoring systems to ensure compliance. These measures, which include public cleansing, waste disposal, and recycling regulations, have made Japan a world leader in recycling rates.

The meeting brought together representatives from health, tourism, environment, and NGOs to discuss how Vanuatu can benefit from stronger partnerships with Japan and other global leaders in waste management, with the goal of achieving a safer environment and healthier communities in the future.