As we move into 2025, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) emphasizes the need for collective action to enhance the progress achieved in 2024 and to dismantle the remaining obstacles impeding effective and sustainable waste management in Fiji. Founder Amitesh Deo highlights that while significant advances have been made, the journey toward sustainable solutions is ongoing, and 2025 must be pivotal for achieving meaningful transformation through collaboration across various sectors.
Deo expressed a hopeful outlook, noting, “Let this be the year we break barriers and achieve lasting transformation. The achievements of 2024 were significant, but we must convert these milestones into sustainable and scalable solutions accessible to all communities, addressing the root causes of the waste management crisis.”
In 2024, important developments took place, including the establishment of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance, which aims to bolster regional cooperation in tackling shared waste management challenges. Furthermore, the recognition of the ‘Collection Pillars of Recycling,’ has provided necessary visibility and respect to informal collectors of recyclables.
Significant progress has also been made in extending recycling initiatives to Fiji’s outer islands, implementing a pioneering soft plastics recycling project, and facilitating the transition of community-based recyclers to formal employment through the ‘I Recycle’ program. Notably, this initiative is now supported by over 20 organizations and communities, emphasizing its growing impact.
PRF has successfully engaged more than 60 organizations from various sectors, including finance, education, tourism, and manufacturing, to divert a substantial amount of waste away from dumpsites and landfills. In 2024 alone, nearly 5 million kilograms of recyclables were diverted from disposal, signifying a major shift towards effective waste management practices achieved through tailored recycling initiatives.
However, Deo cautioned that while acknowledging these achievements, attention must remain on the existing gaps, especially in underserved regions. He asserted that the key challenge in 2025 will be to expand initiatives, move away from outdated disposal practices, and make waste management solutions inclusive and sustainable.
Deo has urged the government to implement comprehensive, transformative strategies in waste management and has called on businesses to go beyond superficial sustainability efforts. He stressed the importance of corporate accountability for environmental impacts, advocating for a commitment to foster systemic change.
As we look ahead to 2025, the PRF’s call for decisive action presents a promising opportunity to build upon past successes and address the pressing waste management issues in Fiji. With united efforts, the vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future could become a reality.
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