As we step into 2025, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is urging for collective action to harness the progress made in 2024 and to overcome the remaining obstacles in establishing effective and sustainable waste management practices.
Amitesh Deo, the founder of PRF, underscored that while the foundation has made commendable advancements in tackling Fiji’s waste management issues, the journey is ongoing. He emphasized that 2025 needs to be a transformative year characterized by true unity and collaboration across various sectors. “Let this be the year we break barriers and achieve lasting transformation,” he stated, referring to the need to turn last year’s milestones into comprehensive, scalable solutions that involve all communities and tackle the root causes of the waste crisis.
The past year brought significant milestones for PRF, including the establishment of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance, which aims to enhance regional cooperation in tackling shared waste management challenges. Furthermore, the acknowledgment of ‘Collection Pillars of Recycling’ in regional discourse has elevated the dignity and visibility of informal recyclers.
In its mission to broaden recycling initiatives, PRF successfully expanded its efforts to Fiji’s outer islands, launched an innovative recycling project for soft plastics, and transitioned individuals from informal roles into formal employment through the ‘I Recycle’ program. This program has now been adopted by over 20 organizations and communities, demonstrating its wide impact.
Thanks to the collaborative recycling initiatives spearheaded by PRF and its entrepreneurial branch, Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, more than 60 organizations from various sectors—including finance, education, tourism, and telecommunications—are now diverting recyclables from landfills. Through these joint efforts, they successfully diverted nearly 4,837 tonnes, almost 5 million kilograms, of recyclables away from dumpsites in 2024.
Despite these achievements, Deo insists that there is still much work to be done. He highlighted the critical need to focus on underserved areas and to evolve from outdated waste management practices toward inclusive, sustainable solutions. He urged the government to take bold and transformative actions, advocating for partnerships with PRF in navigating long-term strategies rather than opting for temporary fixes.
Additionally, Deo called upon businesses to move beyond mere sustainability pledges and to actively engage in developing long-term, impactful solutions. He expressed that corporate responsibility should encompass accountable environmental practices and a commitment to fostering systemic change.
This call to action presents a hopeful outlook: with united efforts from the government, businesses, and communities, significant advancements in waste management can be achieved, creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. The engaged collaboration sets a precedent for what can be accomplished when diverse sectors come together for a shared purpose.
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