On International Waste Pickers Day, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is calling attention to the critical need for improved recognition and support for Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR), formerly known as informal waste pickers. This year’s Global Recycling Day theme, “Breaking Barriers: A Revolutionary Blueprint for the Waste Management Crisis,” resonates with PRF’s mission to overcome the challenges faced by CPR and emphasize their essential role in recycling initiatives, particularly in Fiji.
Amitesh Deo, the founder of PRF, highlighted that while CPR significantly contribute to recycling efforts, they often endure unsafe working conditions, economic struggles, and lack formal acknowledgment. “It is time for action beyond recognition,” Deo stated, urging for systemic reforms to elevate CPR as crucial contributors to the circular economy rather than remaining as informal laborers.
In a global context, more than 40 million waste pickers engage in combating plastic pollution and climate change, yet many continue to work without safety or recognition. This day also marks a remembrance of a tragic event from 1992 in Colombia, where 11 waste pickers lost their lives, serving as a pivotal moment that inspired the establishment of International Waste Pickers Day.
Deo’s appeal emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies that support and empower CPR. He has called for collaboration among government agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders to improve the status and conditions for these vital workers. Additionally, PRF advocates for alignment with international initiatives, including a plastics treaty that safeguards the rights and livelihoods of CPR.
In a bid to address urgent needs, PRF has created Dignity Facilities at the Vunato and Maururu Dumpsites, providing essential services and safe spaces for CPR. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to ethical waste management. PRF is actively working to expand such facilities throughout Fiji, highlighting their commitment to enhancing the working environment for waste pickers.
As part of the observance of International Waste Pickers Day, PRF team visited multiple locations in Fiji to show appreciation for the hardworking individuals. A thoughtful gesture was the distribution of Malhana Laddoos as a sign of respect for their resilience and dedicated contribution to Fiji’s recycling efforts.
The call for improved recognition and support for waste pickers aims not only to rectify past injustices but also to nurture hope for a future where the contributions of CPR are acknowledged, fostering a fair and sustainable waste management system. With cooperative efforts and decisive action, there is potential for meaningful change, which could inspire similar movements globally to address waste management challenges.
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