Adopt-A-Bin Program

Establishing an Island Culture of Recycling to Reduce Marine Debris in Saipan's Waters

Saipan is the most populated island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI and is home to 90% of the Commonwealth's population (CNMI Census, 2000). Saipan's beaches are visited daily by hundreds of residents and tourist making Saipan's seashore and dive site the mainstay of the CNMI's economy. Saipan's west shore is 11.9 mi² with a benthic habitat of diverse coral and large seagrass beds (Van Beukering, 2006). Over 250 species of fish have been recorded in more than 24 lagoon habitats (Amesbury et al, 1979). As many as 11 vulnerable, threatened or endangered species live in these waters. Saipan's rich reef and habitats are at risk from land-based sources of marine debris polluting the surrounding waters; posing significant risk to marine life from entanglement, ingestion and smothering.

The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) aims to prevent 800 m³ of trash from being littered by placing recycling and mixed solid waste bins at 7 of the most popular beach sites, thus removing the barrier to proper disposal at the beach and preventing 400 metric tons of marine debris from entering Saipan's waters. Establishing an Island Culture of Recycling is to promote proper waste separation and disposal, thereby reducing the amount of land-based sources of marine debris by 70%. These actions resulted in achieving three long-term objectives:

1. To prevent harm to living marine resources by reducing the amount of land-based sources of marine debris;

2. Restore the islands natural scenic views; and

3. Extend the life of Saipan's Landfill by fostering recycling in Saipan.

MINA installed 7 public recycling and mixed waste bins at seven popular beaches. Due to the high demand for these recycling bins, MINA added ten more recyling and mixed waste bins totaling 17 bins altogether. Thanks to our business sponsors, their donation of $1,000 per year continues to pay for its weekly trash collection. The Adopt-A-Bin Program is financially supported by monetary donations from various businesses as listed below. The cost for the fabrication of all 17 bins is paid for by the NOAA Marine Debris Grant.