The newly established Pacific Recyclers Alliance has made considerable strides in promoting grassroots recycling initiatives and empowering individuals involved in recyclable collection, known as Collection Pillars of Recycling, at the recent 4th Clean Pacific Round Table (CPRT) organized by SPREP in Tuvalu.
The Pacific Recycling Foundation, which serves as the Secretariat for the Pacific Recyclers Alliance, described this development as a significant milestone for the CPR community and the wider grassroots recycling sector.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Secretary of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance, highlighted the key outcomes from the CPRT, including the formal recognition of the Alliance’s establishment, which unites six existing National Recyclers Associations. This union aims to align waste management and pollution control initiatives throughout the Pacific while emphasizing the critical role of Collection Pillars of Recycling in member states.
Pacific Island Countries and Territories have been encouraged to establish National Recyclers Associations to broaden membership and representation within the Alliance. Deo expressed excitement about the Alliance’s achievements, stating, “Our voices are finally being heard.”
He noted that the support for the activities of Collection Pillars of Recycling represents a significant win for the countless individuals involved in recyclable collection across Fiji and other Pacific nations. “This recognition highlights the dedication and hard work of these communities, who are essential to recycling and waste management in the region,” he added.
Deo mentioned that the term “Collection Pillars of Recycling,” initially coined by a group of women in Vunato, Lautoka, and previously referred to as waste pickers, is now being recognized in regional discussions.
This development marks an important moment as the term created by informal recyclable collectors gains prominence in high-level policy conversations, emphasizing their vital role and influence in developing sustainable waste management strategies across the Pacific. Deo stated that this acknowledgment enhances the status of informal recyclable collectors and strengthens the framework for sustainable waste management practices.
He reaffirmed the Pacific Recyclers Alliance’s commitment to advocating for CPR and grassroots recycling organizations throughout the Pacific.