The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has once again elevated the voices of grassroots recyclers from Fiji and the broader Pacific region during global dialogues on waste management and sustainability. Recently, PRF participated in the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum held in Jaipur, India, which revolved around the theme “Realising Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.”
PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, addressed development partners and government leaders, urging the integration of informal recyclers into formal waste management policies. He emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from purely technical solutions to acknowledging and centering the people who are crucial in waste collection efforts. Deo stated, “It’s time we realize that sustainability encompasses not only policies and technologies, but fundamentally the people behind recycling efforts.”
This advocacy aligns with the foundation’s mission, and it is particularly relevant as it resonates with PRF’s recent achievements, including the diversion of nearly five million kilograms of recyclable materials from landfills over the past year. These significant milestones underscore PRF’s commitment to sustainable waste management practices—a call echoed by other articles that highlight the organization’s ongoing advocacy and successful collaboration with various sectors.
Deo’s participation in a breakout session on sustainability’s challenges reiterated PRF’s role in the Global Recycling Day 2025 campaign. His assertion that grassroots recyclers must have a seat at the table for their contributions to be recognized leads to the notion that policies must reflect the realities faced by those working on the frontlines of recycling.
Additionally, the discussions at the forum serve as a reminder of the essential role grassroots efforts play in creating lasting environmental change. By engaging local communities and fostering teamwork across different sectors, PRF inspires hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
In essence, PRF’s presence at this forum not only reaffirms its commitment to championing grassroots recyclers but also signifies a rallying call to policymakers to recognize the irreplaceable role of people in sustainability efforts. Such recognition is vital to constructing effective and inclusive waste management systems that can facilitate the transition to circular economies in the region.
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