Currently, only 0.2 percent of total waste in Fiji is recycled. This statistic was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, during a recent session in Parliament. He emphasized the necessity for improved waste management strategies and highlighted that the National Development Plan (NDP) addresses these issues through specific subchapters focusing on solid waste management, key performance indicators (KPIs), policies, and strategies.
Professor Prasad pointed out that Fiji is grappling with a significant solid waste management challenge, which is now noticeably increasing economic activity and altering consumption patterns, even in rural regions. He noted that items, previously unused, are now being consumed more widely, contributing to the growing levels of solid waste, particularly in informal settlements and areas experiencing urbanization.
As outlined in the NDP, municipal councils are expected to manage approximately 182,000 tonnes of waste nationally. The plan sets ambitious targets to boost this amount to 250,000 tonnes by 2027 and further to 350,000 tonnes by 2029. The government is committed to enhancing recycling capacities to meet these objectives, with plans in place to establish recycling plants in both the Western and Northern divisions.
Professor Prasad acknowledged that waste management remains a serious concern, particularly in areas like Nadi. He also mentioned that many residents from rural areas tend to bring their waste to urban centers, anticipating that city councils will handle its collection and disposal. This practice has led to ongoing waste management challenges in municipalities, with diapers being cited as a common type of waste brought in from rural settlements.