As the world gets ready to usher in 2025, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is calling for unified action to build on the achievements of 2024 and to remove the obstacles blocking sustainable waste management efforts.
PRF founder Amitesh Deo highlighted that while considerable progress has been made in addressing Fiji’s waste management issues with the help of various partners, there is still work to be done. He expressed that 2025 should mark a year of transformative change that hinges on genuine collaboration across different sectors.
“Let this be the year we break barriers and achieve lasting transformation,” Deo stated, emphasizing the importance of converting 2024’s achievements into sustainable and scalable solutions that reach all communities and address the core issues of the waste management crisis.
In 2024, PRF celebrated several significant accomplishments, including the establishment of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance to promote regional collaboration in confronting common waste management challenges. Furthermore, the term “Collection Pillars of Recycling” gained recognition in regional literature, lending dignity and visibility to informal recyclables collectors.
The Foundation also expanded its recycling initiatives to include Fiji’s outer islands and launched an innovative soft plastics recycling project, facilitating the transition of CPR to formal employment through the ‘I Recycle’ program, which has now been embraced by over 20 organizations and communities.
Through these efforts, approximately 4,837 tonnes—nearly five million kilograms—of recyclables were diverted from landfills in 2024, including many low-value materials. This marks a noteworthy progression towards effective waste management practices driven by PRF’s customized recycling initiatives.
While celebrating these milestones, Deo stressed the importance of addressing persisting gaps, particularly in underserved areas. He stated that the primary challenge for 2025 will be to expand these efforts, move beyond outdated waste management practices, and ensure that solutions are inclusive and sustainable.
He called on the government to implement bold and transformative actions in waste management, urging policymakers to focus on long-term partnerships with PRF instead of short-lived fixes. “This is not the time for half-measures—the waste management crisis demands decisive action,” he emphasized.
Additionally, he encouraged businesses to commit to real sustainability initiatives rather than superficial actions. “Corporate responsibility is not merely a duty but a necessary investment in a sustainable future for all. Businesses must take responsibility for their environmental footprint and actively contribute to systemic change.”
In summary, PRF’s message is one of hope and unity as they prepare for 2025. With a focus on lasting transformation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, the vision for a cleaner and more responsible approach to waste management is gaining momentum. This collective effort could herald a positive change not just in Fiji but as an exemplary model for others globally.
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