The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has raised alarming concerns regarding the recent findings of used needles and syringes discovered in its recycling initiatives within community and educational environments, as well as during clean-up efforts.
Amitesh Deo, the founder and CEO of PRF, expressed his alarm over this troubling trend, highlighting that such hazardous materials are increasingly present in recycling programs, posing a significant risk to the health and safety of recycling employees and the general public.
“It is highly concerning that needles and syringes, categorized as hazardous waste, are being improperly discarded in recycling bins. Such negligence puts our recycling workers in grave danger as they might encounter potentially contaminated needles,” Deo stated.
The discovery of these hazardous items in recycling programs, along with similar findings during a recent clean-up organized by PRF in Koronivia, is particularly disturbing.
“As a grassroots organization, we are witnessing the extent of Fiji’s drug crisis in the various communities we serve, alongside a rising disturbing trend of needles and syringes in our recycling efforts and community clean-ups,” said Deo.
He emphasized the urgent necessity to create referral pathways and establish rehabilitation centers with specialized support systems to address the ongoing drug crisis.
“PRF insists that all medical waste, including needles and syringes, must be disposed of through secure, proper channels. Recycling programs are not designed to handle hazardous materials, and the inclusion of such items in recycling processes poses serious hazards, including possible injuries and the spread of diseases,” he added.
The Foundation is calling for heightened vigilance and collaboration across all sectors to prevent the risks associated with the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
“We cannot ignore the potential dangers associated with these practices. The safety of our workers and the effectiveness of our recycling programs depend on immediate actions and accountability,” Deo concluded.