The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has raised serious concerns about the recent find of used needles and syringes within its recycling initiatives in community and educational environments, as well as during clean-up drives.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder and Chief Executive of PRF, has expressed alarm over this disturbing trend, as the presence of these hazardous materials in recycling systems becomes more frequent, significantly endangering the health and safety of both recycling personnel and the general public.
“It is deeply troubling that needles and syringes, which are categorized as hazardous waste, are being irresponsibly discarded in recycling bins. Such reckless behavior puts our recycling workers at considerable risk as they may come into contact with potentially contaminated needles,” Deo stated.
The situation is especially concerning following a recent PRF-organized clean-up effort in Koronivia, where similar findings were reported. “As a grassroots organization, we are increasingly aware of the extent of Fiji’s drug crisis in the communities we serve, highlighted by the distressing rise in needles and syringes found in our recycling programs and during community clean-ups,” Deo added.
He emphasized an urgent need for the establishment of referral pathways and rehabilitation facilities equipped with specialized support to address the ongoing drug crisis.
“PRF stresses that all medical waste, including needles and syringes, must be disposed of through secure and proper channels. Recycling programs are not designed to handle hazardous materials, and their presence within these systems risks potential injuries and the spread of diseases,” he warned.
Deo urged all sectors to act responsibly and ensure correct disposal of hazardous waste. The Foundation also emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and collaboration across all sectors to mitigate further risks tied to the inappropriate disposal of hazardous materials.
“We cannot afford to ignore the potential dangers associated with these practices. The safety of our workers and the effectiveness of our recycling initiatives rely on immediate action and accountability,” Deo concluded.