The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has raised serious concerns following the alarming discovery of used needles and syringes within its recycling initiatives across community and educational venues, as well as during cleanup efforts.
Amitesh Deo, the founder and chief executive of PRF, has expressed grave alarm over this escalating issue, noting that the emergence of hazardous waste in recycling programs presents a substantial threat to the safety and health of both recycling workers and the general public.
“It is extremely concerning that needles and syringes, which are classified as hazardous waste, are being improperly disposed of in recycling bins. Such careless actions put the lives of our recycling workers at significant risk, as they may come into contact with potentially contaminated needles,” Deo stated.
The situation is further exacerbated by recent findings during a PRF-organized cleanup campaign in Koronivia, where similar hazardous materials were also discovered.
As a grassroots organization, PRF has noted the severe impact of Fiji’s drug crisis within the communities it serves, highlighted by the troubling rise in used needles and syringes found in its recycling programs and during clean-up initiatives, as remarked by Deo.
He emphasized the necessity for establishing referral pathways and rehabilitation facilities that provide specialized support to effectively address the current drug crisis.
“PRF stresses that all medical waste, including needles and syringes, must be disposed of through proper, secure channels. Recycling programs are not equipped to handle hazardous materials, and the inclusion of such items in the recycling process could lead to significant risks, including injuries and the transmission of diseases,” he urged.
The Foundation is calling for heightened awareness and collaboration across all sectors to mitigate the dangers associated with the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
“We cannot afford to overlook the risks posed by these actions. The safety of our workers and the effectiveness of our recycling efforts hinge on immediate action and accountability,” Deo concluded.