Currently, only 0.2 percent of Fiji’s total waste is recycled, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, during a recent parliamentary session. He highlighted the urgent need for enhanced waste management strategies, stating that the National Development Plan (NDP) addresses these concerns through dedicated sections that focus on key performance indicators (KPIs), policies, and strategies for solid waste management.
Professor Prasad remarked that Fiji is grappling with a significant solid waste management issue, which has increased alongside economic activity and changing consumption patterns, particularly in rural areas. He noted that items previously unused are now being utilized, contributing to the rise in solid waste generation, driven by urbanization and the development of informal settlements.
The NDP aims for municipal councils to manage approximately 182,000 tonnes of waste nationwide. The plan sets ambitious targets to raise this figure to 250,000 tonnes by 2027 and to 350,000 tonnes by 2029. To achieve these targets, the government is focusing on improving recycling capabilities, including plans to establish recycling plants in both the Western and Northern divisions of the country.
Professor Prasad emphasized that these are immediate, short-term targets for solid waste management, particularly concerning the situation in Nadi, which he described as a serious concern. He also pointed out that many rural residents often bring their waste to urban areas, expecting city councils to manage its collection and disposal, which creates ongoing challenges for municipal waste management. He specifically mentioned that diapers are among the common types of waste disposed of by residents from rural settlements.