WEEK IN REVIEW: Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps learns about the waste system on Guam
Members of the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) recently dedicated an intensive week to understanding the complexities of waste management on the island, collaborating with industry leader Guahan Waste Control. This immersive experience is a critical component of the G3 Conservation Corps program, which aims to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders and a skilled workforce for Guam’s emerging green economy.
Throughout the week, the cohort delved into the pressing waste issues facing Guam, from the Layon Landfill’s operational intricacies to the challenges of recycling and the pervasive problem of illegal dumping. Guahan Waste Control, a key player in the island’s waste management sector, provided the corps members with an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at their operations, including their materials sorting facility.
G3CC member Eyana Pereda was shocked, “As much as it was a great experience and a fun team to work with, the whole time I couldn’t shake the bewilderment of being surrounded by so much wastefulness.”
Pereda believes that the eye-opening experience is something everyone Guam needs to have.
“You hear about these ongoing problems regarding our waste all the time, but to actually come eye to eye and in some cases literally be neck deep in it was definitely something I think everyone needs to experience if we want any real change within our community and culture around how we handle our trash,” she said. “[It is] not just the amount [of trash] we produce, but the care and effort we put into sorting it the right way before it even arrives at the waste center.”
During their time with Guahan Waste Control, the G3 Conservation Corps members learned about the logistical and economic hurdles of recycling on an island, the importance of proper waste segregation, and the environmental impacts of different waste streams. Discussions also likely covered Guam’s ambitious goals towards a circular economy and zero waste, as outlined in various local initiatives.
Guam continues to grapple with significant waste challenges, including a high volume of food waste, the environmental legacy of the now-closed Ordot Dump, and the ongoing need to extend the lifespan of the Layon Landfill. Initiatives like the G3 Conservation Corps are vital in developing local expertise and fostering a community-wide commitment to addressing these issues.
The hands-on training received by the corps members is designed to prepare them for careers in sustainability-focused fields. By engaging directly with organizations like Guahan Waste Control, they gain not only technical knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for the collaborative efforts required to protect Guam’s fragile environment.
