FIJI’S approach to waste management remains misguided and cosmetic, says Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) founder and Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd (WRFL) CEO Amitesh Deo.
“Yes, it is a testament to our resilience and perseverance, and we are now seeing encouraging signs — greater political will and more partners stepping forward to work with us,” Mr Deo said.
“But how can we truly celebrate when land, creek, and river clean-up campaigns continue to be portrayed as groundbreaking waste management solutions?”
Mr Deo said while such campaigns had a place, they should not be mistaken for comprehensive or innovative solutions.
He described them as “media-friendly, short-term efforts” that do little to fix Fiji’s underlying waste management failures.
“Let’s be honest.
“What happens to the waste and recyclables collected during clean-up campaigns?
“Are they being recovered and reintegrated into a circular system, or are they still ending up at dumpsites or the Naboro Landfill?
“That’s the uncomfortable question no one wants to ask.”
He also criticised the growing practice of using school students to clean up at public events.
“In recent sports events, we’ve seen students cleaning up in exchange for small incentives like tickets.
“This is a form of disguised exploitation.
“Why are we not holding adults responsible?”
Mr Deo stressed the need for structural reform, policy accountability, and true investment.
“A clean-up is not a waste management system.
“We must stop confusing visibility with effectiveness,” he said.
