The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), under the leadership of founder Amitesh Deo, has recently made noteworthy progress in advocating for grassroots recyclers from Fiji and the wider Pacific region at a significant global forum focused on waste management and sustainability held in India. At the 12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur, PRF emerged as a key player in vital discussions that are shaping regional waste management policies and promoting the circular economy.
Deo highlighted the crucial yet often overlooked contributions of grassroots recyclers, emphasizing the important role played by the Collection Pillars of Recycling in sustainability discussions. He actively participated in a Round Table discussion on Circular Economy and Plastic Waste, where he called for formal recognition of grassroots recycling organizations. During his engagements with development partners and government leaders, he advocated for a paradigm shift that centers on the human element in sustainability efforts rather than focusing purely on technical solutions.
Acknowledging PRF’s significant role in addressing the waste management crisis, Deo had the privilege of moderating a Breakout Session that explored the challenges and accomplishments in sustainability. This interaction is an integral part of PRF’s Global Recycling Day 2025 campaign, which reinforces the foundation’s commitment to advocating for grassroots recyclers and influencing the global recycling agenda.
Deo stated, “PRF did not just attend this Forum; we made sure that grassroots recyclers from the Pacific were heard in discussions that have long excluded them.” He stressed the importance of recognizing that sustainability encompasses not only policies and technology but also the individuals driving recycling efforts, insisting their voices be integral in shaping the circular economy.
In addition to these collaborative efforts, PRF’s impact over the past year is remarkable, having successfully diverted nearly five million kilograms of recyclable materials from landfills, significantly promoting sustainable waste management practices in Fiji. By fostering collaboration across various sectors, PRF continues to inspire optimism for a cleaner, more sustainable future in the region.
The engagement at the forum in India and PRF’s broader advocacy initiatives serve as a powerful reminder that collective action and acknowledgment of grassroots efforts can inspire meaningful changes in waste management, ultimately enhancing the role of communities in fostering a sustainable environmental future. This focus on inclusivity and recognition is essential for creating effective and equitable policies in the recycling industry.
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