As we look ahead to 2026, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has shared its New Year greetings with the public, reflecting on the mixed outcomes of 2025. While the previous year marked significant advancements in sector engagement, policy debates, and garnered both national and international acknowledgment for its leadership in recycling, it also revealed persistent systemic challenges that continue to marginalize grassroots recyclers.
Amitesh Deo, the founder of PRF, highlighted that while 2025 had its achievements, it posed considerable difficulties for the recycling community. He noted a concerning trend towards celebrating clean-up campaigns while neglecting the everyday efforts of grassroots recyclers. These individuals play a crucial role in keeping recyclable materials out of landfills and dumps, yet their ongoing contributions often go unnoticed.
PRF raised alarms about the tendency to exclude grassroots organizations from key decision-making processes, particularly decisions that directly impact the livelihoods of informal and community-based recyclers. This exclusion threatens the livelihood and the intricate systems that grassroots recyclers have painstakingly built over the years, often with minimal recognition and support.
Despite the challenges and pushbacks, grassroots groups have persevered, advocating for inclusion, fairness, and a human-centric approach to recycling practices, often at significant personal cost. In 2025, PRF achieved substantial progress through initiatives like the VAKA Forums, which strengthened connections with municipal councils and the tourism sector, and promoted dialogues about shared responsibility in ethical recycling.
As PRF prepares to enter 2026, the organization plans to re-strategize in light of local realities and global trends that affect grassroots organizations. Deo confirmed that PRF will engage in high-level discussions with government ministers in the New Year to voice the concerns of the sectors it represents and to push for protective measures for grassroots recycling systems. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the vital work of those who have been the backbone of recycling efforts and urged that 2026 must be a year of inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the recycling conversation.
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