SOME 4328 kilograms of e-waste in Fiji were collected and transported to New Zealand last year for recycling.
This was made possible through a partnership with Samsung New Zealand, Blue Orca and Echo together with local partner Foneology.
The revelation followed the announcement by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd it had fulfilled its commitment to address the growing e-waste crisis in the Pacific.
Samsung stated the effort to collect and ship the 4328kg of e-waste resulted in the prevention of 25.6kg of toxic metals from contaminating the soil, avoided 1421kg of greenhouse gas emissions, and contributed to the protection of the environment, benefitting local communities.
“The absence of of local recycling options and the severe environmental consequences outlined in the report pushed us to take action,” Samsung Electronics New Zealand marketing director Shannon Watts said.
“Through our collaboration with Blue Orca and recycling partner Echo, we’ve been able to drive meaningful change and address the critical e-waste issue facing Pacific island communities,” Ms Watts said.
She said the initiative helped protect the environment by ensuring responsible recycling of electronic waste.
“This initiative is a crucial step toward mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste in the Pacific islands. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo.
“We’re proud to have played a role in diverting a significant volume of end-of-life electronics from landfills, ensuring they are now being recycled ethically and responsibly.”
Last year, Samsung New Zealand engaged Blue Orca to assess e-waste challenges across five Pacific islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Timor Leste; and found a lack of local recycling infrastructure, raising concerns about the environmental impact of unmanaged e-waste in the region.
Ms Watts said at present, most e-waste in Fiji was landfilled together with other solid waste or burned.
This Pacific islands recycling program supports Samsung New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to its global Everyday Sustainability Environmental Strategy, as part of the company’s efforts to contribute to tackle climate change.
Over the past two years, Samsung New Zealand, in collaboration with Echo, has successfully recycled more than 73 tonnes of e-waste through local collection drives in Auckland.
In partnership with Blue Orca and Echo, Samsung New Zealand has successfully facilitated the transportation and recycling of more than 38 tonnes of end-of-life appliances, electrical and electronic equipment collected across the Pacific.
E-wastes are discarded electrical and electronic equipment that is at the end of its life or is no longer suitable for use.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated FEBRUARY 15, 2025.
