SAIPAN — The CNMI Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Taskforce (ISWMT), under the CNMI Office of the Governor, is pushing a public-awareness message aimed at reducing littering and illegal dumping across the islands, emphasizing that cleanup is not “someone else’s” responsibility.
In a series of public graphics, the taskforce challenges what it calls a common myth: “This trash isn’t my problem. Someone else will clean it up.” The taskforce counters with a simple message: “Trash is everyone’s problem,” and warns that on small islands, the impacts add up quickly.
The taskforce is encouraging residents to take basic steps such as using waste bins properly, reviewing ISWMT recycling guides shared on social media, and reporting illegal dumping. The graphics also warn that illegal dumping and litter can carry consequences beyond appearance — including potential exposure to plastics and microplastics, refrigerants and coolants, used oil and other automotive fluids, and household hazardous waste that can migrate into soil, groundwater, and the ocean, ultimately affecting food and water.
For reporting, the taskforce directs the public to the CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ), including phone numbers listed as (670) 664-8500/8501 and (670) 322-8002, along with an “Open/Illegal Dumping Form” referenced in the materials.
ISWMT updates are also promoted through the CNMI Office of Planning and Development’s channels, including opg.gov.mp and the social handles @CNMIOPD670 and @CNMIOPD.
