Management at a recycling company has raised alarms following the alarming discovery of used needles and syringes in areas where their teams have carried out clean-up operations. The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has urgently called attention to the growing concern over these hazardous items being found in recycling initiatives within community and educational settings.
Amitesh Deo, founder of PRF, expressed his worries regarding this unsettling trend, highlighting that the presence of such materials is becoming increasingly prevalent and significantly endangers both recycling workers and the public’s health and safety. He pointed out that needles and syringes should be classified as hazardous waste and their improper disposal in recycling bins could expose workers to contaminated materials.
Deo noted a particularly troubling incident during a recent cleanup organized by PRF in Koronivia, where these hazardous items were discovered. He emphasized that, as a grassroots organization, they have witnessed the severity of Fiji’s drug crisis across various communities.
There has been a troubling rise in the frequency of needles and syringes appearing in recycling programs as well as during community clean-ups. Deo stated that there is an urgent need for the establishment of referral pathways and rehabilitation facilities, complete with specialized support systems to address the ongoing drug crisis in the area.
He urged all sectors to act responsibly by ensuring that hazardous waste is disposed of properly. Increased vigilance and collaboration are necessary to mitigate the risks associated with the improper disposal of such dangerous materials.
Deo stressed that overlooking the potential dangers of these practices is not an option and called for immediate action to protect workers and ensure effective recycling efforts. PRF reiterated the importance of proper disposal channels for all medical waste, underscoring that recycling programs are not equipped to handle hazardous materials. The presence of these items in recycling streams poses significant injury risks and could lead to the spread of diseases.