J-PRISM Supports the First Export of Used PET Bottles from Majuro, Marshall Islands

In Majuro, Majuro Atoll Waste Company (MAWC) receives many used PET bottles every week from citizens under the Container Deposit Legislation[1]. However, since there is no recycler for PET bottles in the Marshall Islands, MAWC has been facing the challenge of finding an appropriate recycler for the collected PET bottles for many years. J-PRISM3 has been supporting MAWC to find an overseas recycler.

Another challenge has been the long-distance transport to the overseas market. J-PRISM3 has been working with Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and a Japanese shipping company, Kyowa Shipping Co., Ltd., to promote their cooperation and collaboration for pro bono ocean carriage for recyclable waste in support of the Moana Taka Partnership. With the valuable logistical support provided by Kyowa Shipping, MAWC was able to ship out one container filled with about 6 tons of PET bottles to a Taiwanese recycler J-PRISM3 has identified. The container left Majuro on 21 May 2026, and arrived safely in Taiwan on 23 June 2026.

This effort will be a good pathway for the PET bottles collected and accumulated at MAWC’s premises. MAWC and J-PRISM3 will continue to collaborate to find a sustainable way to RETURN the recyclable waste abroad.

For more information about Moana Taka Partnership:
https://youtu.be/fv98NoXe9x4?si=DhwlWeb0e8BaTRtt

[1] Legislation establishing a container deposit scheme, under which consumers receive a refund for returning used beverage containers for recycling