AUCKLAND, NZ – 13 February 2025 – Samsung Electronics New Zealand, in partnership with Blue Orca and Echo, has successfully transported and recycled over 38 tonnes of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment from the Pacific Islands. This effort is part of Samsung’s commitment to addressing e-waste challenges in the region.
Electronic waste is one of Samoa’s largest sources of bulky waste, with limited local recycling options. Samsung, Blue Orca, Echo, and the Samoa and Tokelau Association of Recyclers (S.T.A.R) collected and shipped 12,911 kg of e-waste from Samoa to New Zealand under Swire Shipping’s Moana Taka Partnership. This initiative prevented 76.35 kg of toxic metals from contaminating the soil and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3,702 kg.
In 2024, Samsung engaged Blue Orca to assess e-waste issues across Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Timor-Leste. The findings highlighted the urgent need for action due to the lack of local recycling infrastructure.
“The lack of local recycling options and the environmental impact outlined in the report made it clear that action was needed,” said Shannon Watts, Marketing Director, Samsung Electronics New Zealand.
“Working with Blue Orca and Echo, we’ve made real progress in tackling the e-waste issue in Pacific Island communities, protecting the environment and supporting responsible recycling.”
“This initiative is a crucial step in reducing the environmental impact of e-waste in the Pacific. Collaboration between Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo has helped divert a significant volume of electronics from landfills, ensuring ethical recycling,” added Watts.
Samsung New Zealand’s Pacific Islands recycling program aligns with its global Everyday Sustainability Environmental Strategy to combat climate change. Over the past two years, Samsung and Echo have recycled more than 73 tonnes of e-waste through collection drives in Auckland.
E-Waste Collection Summary:
- Total collected: 38,502 kg
- Greenhouse gas emissions avoided: 11,042 kg
- Toxic metals diverted from landfill: 228 kg
Breakdown by Island:
- Fiji: 4,328 kg collected | 1,241 kg emissions avoided | 25.6 kg toxic metals diverted
- Tonga: 13,863 kg collected | 3,976 kg emissions avoided | 81.99 kg toxic metals diverted
- Samoa: 12,911 kg collected | 3,702.8 kg emissions avoided | 76.35 kg toxic metals diverted
- Cook Islands: 7,400 kg collected | 2,122 kg emissions avoided | 43.77 kg toxic metals diverted
