Medical waste disposal continues to be a significant issue in Fiji, as highlighted in the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) for 2025-2029 and Vision 2050. The government is actively seeking solutions to address this pressing problem. The NDP outlines in Section 7.4, titled Solid Waste Management, several concerns regarding the disposal of medical waste. Improper disposal methods pose serious health risks to both the environment and the community.
According to the document, medical waste, which includes items like amputated body parts, syringes, medical gloves, and personal protective equipment, is currently being disposed of at the Naboro landfill. To improve the situation, the Ministry of Health has established a new medical waste incinerator, which can process between 200kg and 250kg of waste per burn, at the Naboro landfill as of June this year.
A report from the World Bank in 2020 indicated that Fiji’s approaches to healthcare waste management and infection control are more advanced than many in the region; however, it also noted inconsistencies among hospitals regarding dedicated infection control staff. The report mentioned that medical waste from major hospitals and quarantine waste from airports and ports undergo incineration, but it raised concerns about the operational condition of incinerators used for infectious waste due to budget constraints.
The NDP further reveals that Fiji grapples with overall waste management challenges brought about by economic growth, changing consumption patterns, and urbanization. It notes that only 0.2% of waste was recycled in 2021, a statistic that underscores the severity of the issue. Problems are particularly pronounced in urban areas, with rapid urbanization leading to a rise in informal settlements lacking proper sanitation services and sound waste management practices. The NDP emphasizes the need for reforms to mitigate the adverse effects on the environment, public health, food sources, and vital sectors like tourism and agriculture.
The government has been urged to strengthen regulations focused on sustainability, introducing penalties for violations. Additionally, there are calls for the adoption of suitable technology, incentives for proper waste management systems, public education, and improved collaboration among stakeholders.
Fiji’s NDP also ties into global commitments, referencing multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals that stress the importance of maintaining a clean environment, extending to both land and marine ecosystems. The document reflects concerns about the growing volumes of waste resulting from shifts in consumption and production within Fiji, highlighting the necessity for a resilient Pacific region as articulated in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Currently, waste management is overseen by the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, along with the Ministry of Local Government. Fiji’s towns and cities depend on municipal councils for waste collection, and the Department of Environment is responsible for licensing landfill operations, recycling initiatives, and efforts to raise public awareness.
The NDP outlines challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and financial constraints which complicate solid waste management. The Naboro landfill, established in 2005, has handled over 1.29 million tonnes of waste, while many municipalities resort to unsanitary dump sites, often located near sensitive ecosystems, creating significant health and environmental hazards.
To tackle these issues, the plan aims to develop a sustainable waste management system that will protect the environment while enhancing community involvement and stakeholder engagement. It proposes educational initiatives on recycling in schools and the private sector, promoting research and development in waste management, and formulating policies to address various waste types, including biomedical waste.
Finally, the NDP advocates for a review and streamlining of the legislative framework concerning waste management and pollution control to enhance enforcement of environmental regulations.
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