By Katalina Siasau

Tapuhia landfill is filling up faster than anticipated, and that's a big concern for the Minister responsible for Environment, Deputy PM, Hon. Dr Taniela Fusimalohi.  "I’m unsure where we would relocate if Tapuhia reaches capacity," he said.

Tapuhia landfill was originally intended to operate for 50 years from now, but the Minister is concerned that it may reach capacity much sooner than that, “It is likely to be full in the next 10 to 15 years," he told  a media briefing on 21 February.

As the regulator for landfills, the Deputy PM assigned the Waste Authority to investigate the issue.

Meanwhile, a recent audit report cited other related issues including inadequate inspection of seven groundwater extraction sites near the landfill, landfill procedures that were not performed properly (from 2020-2023), and unskilled workers overseeing the landfill.

The reports also warned that the landfill, now over 20 years old, needs to be reviewed.

The Waste Authority charges $15 per month for weekly home rubbish collection.

He  noted that vehicle parts are not disposed of in Tapuhia to ease up the piles that are already there.

Tonga Recycles (TRA) is actively involved in the transportation of old vehicles overseas.