Historically, managing waste was not a problem throughout the Federated States of Micronesia because people back then did not produce much waste. The type of waste produced was organic waste such as coconut woven baskets, banana, and taro leaves which naturally withered away. Today, people have been throwing away more waste than ever before. Our current lifestyle of living has changed which has led to the use of non-refillable products and an increase in packaging. Furthermore, the amount of non-biodegradable waste generated has doubled since the advent of modern goods and services. Essentially, FSM has become a "consumer society" where its people rely on short term products and items.

"The major problems in the world are the result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think."

The states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae have developed and endorsed their Solid Waste Management Strategies. While Chuuk State is making efforts to revive its recycling system, Yap, Pohnpei, and Kosrae continue to progress with their recycling activities of aluminum cans, PET beverages, glass, home appliances, e-waste, used car batteries, and cooking oil. The States of Yap and Kosrae continue to lead in the establishment of Fukuoka method landfills, while Pohnpei State remains with a rehabilitated dumpsite with Fukuoka method applications, and Chuuk State progressing to rehabilitate a dumpsite with Fukuoka method applications. Awareness campaigns in all states focus  on the concept of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) in the communities and schools.