Economic aspects of waste management in small island states

Abstract

Waste is a major economic problem ill many small island states (SIS), especially in those with a relatively high popu1ation density. The paper looks at some waste management options that could be implemented to mitigate these problems. The basic thrust of the paper is that rational waste management is particularly important in SIS, and that economic instruments could be used to achieve waste related strategies and objectives in such states. The economic rationale for waste management is evident in SIS, perhaps even more so than in larger territories. Limited resource endowment, a characteristic of SIS, makes a strong case for waste minimisation and recycling. A large incidence of externalities in SIS (due mainly to dense populations and proximity to waste-generated pollution) provide a good argument for reducing the negative environmental impacts of waste.