The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has raised alarms regarding the alarming discovery of used needles and syringes in its recycling initiatives across community and educational environments, as well as during cleanup events.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder and Chief Executive of PRF, expressed concern over this troubling trend, noting that the rising presence of such materials in recycling programs poses a significant health and safety risk for both recycling workers and the public.
“It is deeply concerning that needles and syringes, categorized as hazardous waste, are being mismanaged in recycling bins. This negligence endangers the lives of our recycling workers, who may inadvertently come into contact with potentially contaminated needles,” Deo said.
He highlighted that the finding of used needles and syringes in their recycling efforts, as well as during a recent PRF-led cleanup in Koronivia, is particularly alarming.
“As a grassroots organization, we are witnessing the extent of Fiji’s drug crisis in the various communities we serve, reflected in the disturbing rise in needles and syringes found in our recycling initiatives and community cleanups,” he added.
Deo emphasized the urgent need for establishing referral pathways and rehabilitation facilities 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 in recycling streams can lead to serious risks, including injuries and the transmission of diseases,” he warned.
The Foundation is calling for heightened vigilance and collaboration from all sectors to mitigate the dangers of improper hazardous waste disposal.
“We cannot ignore the dangers posed by these practices. The safety of our workers and the effectiveness of our recycling efforts rely on immediate action and accountability,” Deo concluded.