In light of the increasing drug-related incidents in Fiji, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is making an urgent appeal due to alarming findings of used needles and syringes in its recycling programs and during community cleanup efforts.
The organization is particularly troubled by the frequent appearance of these dangerous materials, which pose a significant health risk to recycling workers and the general public. Recent findings during a cleanup campaign in Koronivia have heightened these concerns.
Amitesh Deo, the founder of PRF, highlights that as a grassroots organization, they are directly experiencing the impact of Fiji’s drug crisis within various communities, noting a disturbing rise in the number of needles and syringes discovered in recycling and cleanup activities.
PRF stresses that all medical waste, such as needles and syringes, must be disposed of through appropriate and secure means. Recycling facilities are not designed to manage hazardous materials, and their presence in recycling streams can result in serious injuries and facilitate the spread of diseases.
The Foundation is urging for greater awareness and collaboration across all sectors to mitigate the dangers stemming from the improper disposal of hazardous waste.