TURNING waste into products such as toilet paper while reducing the amount of rubbish ending up in landfills shows how recycling can drive economic growth while protecting the environment, says Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of South Pacific Waste Recyclers in Suva on Wednesday, Ms Tabuya said the company had demonstrated that waste could become a valuable resource through responsible management.
“For the past fifteen years, your work has helped divert valuable recyclable materials away from landfills, reduced pollution, created employment opportunities, and shown that waste has value when managed responsibly,” she said.
“You have demonstrated that what many consider waste can become a valuable resource.”
She said the approach reflected the principles of a circular economy, where materials were kept in use through reuse, repair and recycling instead of the traditional take, make and dispose model.
She added Fiji continued to face increasing waste management challenges driven by population growth, urbanisation, tourism and changing consumption patterns, placing greater pressure on landfills and the environment.
Ms Tabuya said Government had finalised the National Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy 2026-2035 and was progressing the Container Deposit Regulations to introduce a refund system for beverage containers.
“Their success depends on implementation, innovation, and more importantly, partnerships.”
“That is why Government greatly values companies such as South Pacific Waste Recyclers, whose investments and expertise help turn policy into practical action.”
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya at the South Pacific Waste Recyclers warehouse in Laucala Beach, in Nasinu on Wednesday. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
