Pacific Island countries are being urged to strengthen regional cooperation on waste management as shrinking landfill space, growing environmental pressures and climate change continue to intensify the region’s recycling challenges.
The call comes after the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and the Naoero Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC) held discussions on strengthening recycling systems, resource recovery and community-based solutions across the Pacific.
PRF founder Amitesh Deo said the region’s waste crisis demanded a united response.
“Many Pacific Island countries are facing similar waste management challenges, whether it is limited recycling infrastructure, transportation barriers, landfill constraints, or restricted recovery pathways,” Mr Deo said.
“The reality is that we do not need to solve these challenges alone.
“There is significant value in sharing lessons learnt, strengthening regional partnerships, and identifying practical solutions that can be adapted and scaled across the Pacific.”
He said the focus should be on expanding proven initiatives rather than creating entirely new systems.
“This is not about creating entirely new solutions.
“It is about identifying what is already working, strengthening it, and exploring how successful initiatives can be adapted and replicated across different Pacific Island contexts.”
Drawing on more than three decades of experience through Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd, Mr Deo said community participation remained central to successful recycling efforts.
“Our waste management challenges are fundamentally different from those experienced in larger countries.
“The Pacific requires solutions that are practical, inclusive, and suited to our geographical, economic, and social realities.”
PRF also announced it will launch a limited-edition podcast series, “We don’t want you here”, to promote practical and evidence-based waste management solutions for Fiji and the wider Pacific.
