The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has proposed a two-part solution to Fiji’s waste management crisis during the inaugural VAKA Forum.
Founder Amitesh Deo explained that the first component is an enhanced transportation system designed to collect recyclables from municipal councils, businesses, and outer islands.
“We have a solution based on lived experience, an enhanced transportation system that will be able to capture many parts of Fiji’s recyclables,” Mr Deo said.
The second component involves upgrading existing recycling facilities.
“The idea is if we are able to collect these volumes, we should be able to have this transited into a recycling facility, a main recycling facility and a secondary recycling facility will operate.”
Mr Deo emphasised regional collaboration.
“In Fiji, we also need to combine our resources and our forces with regional countries so we can have a regional collaboration.” He said PRF aimed to present a feasibility study within a year to guide government policy, promote green jobs, and ensure environmental and social justice.
“We want to come out of the waste management crisis in a holistic and comprehensive way ensure that grassroots recyclers move forward also get dignity and also get green jobs as we move forward.”
Mr Deo stressed that solutions must adhere to the principle of “do no harm”, ensuring environmental protection while building sustainable recycling systems that could be scaled nationally and regionally.
