Waste Authority Limited
Managing waste in Tongatapu for a cleaner, greener, and healthier Kingdom of Tonga.
About WAL
Waste Authority Limited (WAL) is a Government Public Enterprise mandated to manage waste in Tongatapu. Established under the Waste Management Act 2005, WAL provides commercial, industrial and residential waste collection services and waste management facilities.
Prior to WAL's establishment in 2006, Tonga had an 'out of sight out of mind' approach to waste management with poor funding, limited institutional capacity and inadequate infrastructure. Illegal dumping, burning and littering were commonplace. The Waste Management Act 2005 was created to address this crisis and establish the responsibilities of WAL.
Under the AusAID funded Tonga Solid Waste Management Project, three waste compactor trucks were purchased, a modern sanitary landfill constructed at the Tapuhia Quarry site in Vaini, and plant and machinery provided to operate the site. WAL commenced a regular weekly waste collection service and began a community campaign to raise awareness and inspire participation in better waste management.
- Residential, commercial & industrial waste collection
- Modern sanitary landfill at Tapuhia Quarry, Vaini
- Recycling and waste minimization programs
- Keeping the Kingdom clean, green and healthy
Waste Collection
Regular weekly collection services for residential, commercial and industrial customers across Tongatapu.
Sanitary Landfill
Modern sanitary landfill at Tapuhia Quarry site in Vaini, ensuring sound management of waste disposal.
Recycling
Promoting recycling and waste minimization to reduce environmental impact and conserve resources.
Public Awareness
Raising public awareness on waste minimization and inspiring community participation in better waste management.
Board & Leadership
The Board of Directors and leadership team guiding Waste Authority Limited in delivering its mandate for the Kingdom of Tonga.
Siotame Tsutomu Nakao II
Chairperson
Tevita Lavemaau
Deputy Chairperson
Lorraine Kauhenga
Director
Sateki 'Ahio
Director
Maliu Takai
Director
Veivosa Taka
Director
Vatulele Tuputupu
Chief Executive Officer
MBA, USP · BMS, University of Waikato
Our Services
WAL provides comprehensive waste management services across Tongatapu, from collection and disposal to recycling and public awareness.
Residential Waste Collection
Regular weekly collection services for households across Tongatapu, ensuring clean and healthy communities.
Commercial & Industrial Collection
Waste collection services tailored for businesses and industrial operations across the island.
Sanitary Landfill
Modern sanitary landfill at Tapuhia Quarry, Vaini, ensuring environmentally sound waste disposal.
Recycling Programs
Promoting recycling and waste minimization to reduce environmental impact and conserve resources.
Waste Treatment
Appropriate waste treatment services ensuring safe handling and processing of all waste types.
Ship & Aircraft Waste Services
Waste management services for ships and aircraft, with requirements for pilots and ship masters.
Public Awareness & Education
Community campaigns raising awareness on waste minimization and inspiring participation in better waste management.
Litter & Waste Control
Implementing litter and waste control measures to keep Tonga clean and protect public health.
Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring the effects of waste on human health and the environment to ensure community wellbeing.
Waste Regulation & Compliance
Regulating persons involved in the transportation, storage and disposal of waste across Tongatapu.
Clean Green Tonga Program
A flagship program promoting a clean, green and healthy Kingdom through community engagement and action.
Environment Levy
Cabinet-approved environment levy on cruise ship passengers to fund public bins and convenience facilities.
Clean Green Tonga
The Clean Green Tonga Program is WAL's flagship community initiative, inspiring participation in better waste management and promoting a clean, green and healthy Kingdom. Every day, the work of WAL makes Tonga cleaner, greener, and healthier.
Community Engagement
Community campaigns to raise awareness and inspire participation in better waste management practices.
Waste Minimization
Reducing waste at the source through education, recycling programs and sustainable waste management practices.
Healthy Environment
Monitoring and protecting the environment to ensure a healthy Kingdom for future generations.
Latest News
Stay up to date with the latest developments at Waste Authority Limited.
New CEO for Waste Authority Ltd
Mr. Vatulele Tuputupu (55), former Director of Corporate Services at MEIDECC, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Waste Authority Limited, effective from 24 August 2026, for three years.
Hailing from Niutoua, Tuputupu brings extensive experience in public-sector leadership, corporate management, and administration to the role. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the South Pacific and a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato, majoring in Marketing and International Management.
Tuputupu joins WAL at an important stage in the Authority's continued development, with a focus on strengthening operational and financial performance, improving waste management services across the Kingdom, and progressing key infrastructure and environmental initiatives.
Read full articleGet in touch
For waste collection enquiries, service requests or general information, reach out to the Waste Authority Limited team.