The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has raised serious concerns about the alarming trend of found used needles and syringes in its recycling initiatives across community and educational venues, as well as during clean-up drives.
Amitesh Deo, the founder and CEO of PRF, expressed his alarm regarding the increasing prevalence of these hazardous materials in recycling programs. He highlighted that such improper disposal poses a considerable risk to the health and safety of both recycling workers and the general public.
“It is extremely troubling that needles and syringes, which are deemed hazardous waste, are being discarded carelessly in recycling bins. This negligence puts the lives of our recycling staff at significant risk, as they may inadvertently handle potentially contaminated needles,” said Deo. He specifically noted harrowing findings during a recent PRF-organized clean-up campaign in Koronivia.
As a grassroots organization, PRF is on the frontlines witnessing the scope of Fiji’s drug crisis reflected in the increasing numbers of needles and syringes discovered in their recycling efforts and community clean-ups. Deo emphasized the urgent need for developing referral pathways and establishing rehabilitation facilities with specialized support to tackle the ongoing drug problem.
“PRF insists that all medical waste, including needles and syringes, should only be disposed of through secure and proper methods. Our recycling programs are not designed to manage hazardous materials, and their presence endangers lives by increasing the risk of injuries and disease transmission,” he stated.
He called on all sectors to act responsibly and ensure correct disposal of hazardous waste. The Foundation also urged for heightened awareness and collaboration from all sectors to mitigate the risks associated with the improper handling of hazardous materials.
Deo concluded that overlooking the dangers could lead to severe consequences, emphasizing that the safety of workers and the overall success of recycling initiatives hinge on immediate and accountable action.