A recent waste audit was carried out by the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) in partnership with the Lautoka City Council. This initiative forms part of the Circular Pacific Plastics (CPP) project, which enjoys support from the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Plastic Pact (ANZPAC).

The audit concentrated on identifying the various types of litter present in both residential and commercial sectors, with a specific focus on soft plastics that are frequently discarded as waste. By pinpointing these waste streams, particularly the soft plastics that are often sent to landfills instead of being recycled, the audit seeks to promote a more efficient circular economy.

A significant aim of this waste audit is to encourage producers to adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach. This concept motivates manufacturers to create more sustainable and recyclable packaging and highlights the importance of collaborating with grassroots recyclers to minimize environmental impacts and promote responsible waste management practices.

This initiative is a proactive step towards a more sustainable future, as it emphasizes the role of producers in reducing waste and fostering an environmentally conscious society. By addressing waste at its source, there is hope for a cleaner, more sustainable environment in the Pacific region.

In summary, the PRF’s waste audit not only aims to address the pressing issue of plastic waste but also to instill a sense of responsibility among producers, thereby paving the way for an effective circular economy.