The newly established Pacific Recyclers Alliance has achieved significant strides in promoting grassroots recycling initiatives and empowering Collection Pillars of Recycling—those involved in the collection of recyclable materials. This progress emerged from the 4th Clean Pacific Round Table (CPRT) organized by SPREP in Tuvalu.
The Pacific Recycling Foundation, representing the Secretariat of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance for Grassroots Organizations, described this development as a landmark accomplishment for the CPR community and the broader grassroots recycling sector.
Amitesh Deo, the founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Secretary of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance, highlighted the CPRT’s outcomes, which include the formal establishment of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance. This initiative aims to unify the six existing National Recyclers Associations to enhance waste management and pollution control across the Pacific, alongside recognizing the essential contributions of the 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 enthusiasm for the Alliance’s progress, stating, “Our voices are finally being heard.” He emphasized that the acknowledgment of the Collection Pillars of Recycling within the CPRT outcomes represents a significant triumph for the numerous individuals collecting recyclables across Fiji and other Pacific nations.
“This recognition affirms the dedication and hard work of these communities, who are vital to the recycling and waste management efforts in the region,” said Deo.
He noted that the term “Collection Pillars of Recycling,” originally introduced by a group of women in Vunato, Lautoka, who were previously referred to as waste pickers, is now gaining recognition in regional literature.
This moment marks a critical turning point, as a term developed by informal recyclable collectors is now part of high-level policy discussions, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping sustainable waste management strategies within the Pacific.
Deo stated that this regional acknowledgment enhances the status of informal recyclable collectors and bolsters the foundation for sustainable waste management practices. He reaffirmed the Pacific Recyclers Alliance’s commitment to ongoing advocacy and support for CPR and grassroots recycling organizations throughout the Pacific.