The Pacific Recycling Foundation has raised alarms regarding the alarming find of used needles and syringes in its recycling initiatives across community and educational environments, as well as during clean-up efforts.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder and Chief Executive of PRF, has expressed his concern over this disturbing trend, noting that such hazardous materials increasingly appear in recycling programs, jeopardizing the safety and health of recycling staff and the public.
“It is highly concerning that needles and syringes, which are categorized as hazardous waste, are being wrongly disposed of in recycling bins. This negligence significantly endangers our recycling workers, who may encounter potentially contaminated needles,” he stated.
The presence of these items was notably highlighted during a recent PRF-organized clean-up campaign in Koronivia, which raised additional alarm.
“As a grassroots organization, we are bearing witness to the severity of Fiji’s drug crisis within the communities we serve, reflected in the troubling rise of needles and syringes found in our recycling programs and during community clean-ups,” Deo remarked.
He emphasized an urgent need to develop referral pathways and set up rehabilitation facilities equipped with specialized support to address the ongoing drug crisis.
“PRF stresses that all medical waste, such as needles and syringes, should only be disposed of through the appropriate and secure channels. Recycling programs are not designed to handle hazardous materials, and their presence in the recycling stream poses serious risks, including the potential for injuries and disease transmission,” he warned.
The Foundation has called for heightened awareness and collaboration from all sectors to mitigate the risks associated with the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
“We cannot ignore the potential hazards arising from these practices. The safety of our workers and the efficacy of our recycling initiatives depend on prompt action and responsibility,” Deo concluded.