The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), led by founder Amitesh Deo, has recently made significant strides in advocating for grassroots recyclers from Fiji and the Pacific at a global forum on waste management and sustainability in India. At the 12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum held in Jaipur, PRF was not merely a participant but emerged as a vital player in critical discussions influencing regional waste management policies and the circular economy.
Deo emphasized the often-underrecognized contributions of grassroot recyclers, particularly the Collection Pillars of Recycling, stressing their essential role in sustainability dialogues. He participated in a Round Table focused on Circular Economy and Plastic Waste, where he urged for the formal recognition of grassroots recycling organizations. During discussions with development partners and government leaders, he called for a shift in focus from solely technical solutions to placing people at the center of sustainability efforts.
Recognizing PRF’s pivotal role in combating the waste management crisis, Deo had the honor of moderating a Breakout Session addressing significant challenges and achievements in sustainability. This engagement forms a crucial aspect of PRF’s Global Recycling Day 2025 campaign, reinforcing the foundation’s dedication to advocating for grassroots recyclers and shaping the global recycling agenda.
Deo remarked, “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 highlighted the essential need to acknowledge that sustainability encompasses not just policies and technology but also the people behind recycling efforts, insisting that their voices must help shape the circular economy.
The foundation’s ongoing advocacy efforts aim to ensure that future waste management policies are reflective of the realities faced by those in the recycling industry, particularly those operating on the frontlines.
In related developments, PRF’s achievements over the past year include successfully diverting nearly five million kilograms of recyclable materials from landfills, marking a significant step forward in promoting sustainable waste management practices across Fiji. With a focus on fostering collaboration among various sectors, PRF continues to inspire hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future in the region.
The engagement at the India forum and PRF’s larger advocacy efforts are a reminder that collective action and recognition of grassroots efforts can lead to meaningful change in waste management, enhancing the role of communities in building a sustainable environmental future.
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