Apia, Samoa – The Samoa Tokelau Association of Recyclers (STAR), in proud partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, is pleased to announce the remarkable success of its July Return and Pay Initiative, held on 26th July 2025, achieving a record-breaking collection of over 100,000 plastic PET bottles and aluminium cans, the highest volume recorded since the inception of this initiative.
This month’s event surpasses the achievements of previous Return and Pay collections conducted in May and June, signalling a powerful momentum in Samoa’s ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable environment. The initiative encourages the community to collect and return eligible beverage containers in exchange for a cash incentive, a practical solution to combat plastic pollution while promoting public participation in environmental stewardship.
STAR extends its deepest gratitude to their key partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, whose unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in sustaining the Return and Pay initiative. This partnership has enabled not only the logistical implementation of the event but has also fostered a wider national awareness of the importance of recycling and responsible waste management.
STAR also acknowledges with appreciation the presence of the Office of the Embassy of Japan at the July event. Their continued interest in environmental sustainability in Samoa is valued and aligns with the broader vision of fostering regional cooperation for climate resilience and ecological preservation.
STAR also conveys sincere thanks to Swire Shipping Company for their logistical assistance of JPRISM team for their technical guidance and consistent support toward Samoa’s circular economy efforts.
Most importantly, STAR celebrates the commitment of the Samoan community, whose enthusiastic and active participation made this milestone possible. The impressive turnout and the quality of sorted plastics and cans returned are a testament to the growing environmental consciousness among families, youth groups, schools, and local businesses. By keeping these items out of our landfills and natural landscapes, community members have contributed directly to the protection of Samoa’s precious environment.
This initiative is part of STAR’s broader mission to develop practical and inclusive waste recovery systems in Samoa and Tokelau, with a vision for long-term sustainability and a clean Pacific future. The success of the July event is not just about numbers, it reflects a national shift in behaviours, values, and pride in environmental responsibility.
STAR looks forward to hosting the next Return and Pay event and encourages all community members to continue collecting recyclable containers. Together, we can build a waste-wise Samoa, where every bottle returned is a step toward a better tomorrow.
For further information, please contact:
Samoa Tokelau Association of Recyclers (STAR)
📞 +685 7527786 | +685 7700600
📧 [email protected]
