In 2022, Suva City generated an impressive 28,803 tonnes of waste, an average of 79 tonnes each day, primarily directed to the already overcrowded Naboro Landfill, located 24 kilometers outside the city. The Suva City Council (SCC) released these findings in its recently launched Voluntary Local Review. The document highlighted the urgent need for landfill expansion to better handle the waste generated by Suva and nearby municipalities.
Illegal dumping has become a concerning issue, despite the SCC’s active efforts in waste collection, which occurs three times weekly in most areas and up to six times in the central city. Alarmingly, approximately one percent of liquid waste produced is illegally discharged into streets and creeks, as noted in the review.
Interestingly, household waste has decreased from 18,009 tonnes in 2015 to 12,830 tonnes in 2022, while green waste collections have increased dramatically to 9,929 tonnes, showcasing a positive trend in waste management practices. The council utilizes a fleet of 19 refuse collection vehicles, including nine compactor trucks, organized into ten sectors across four solid waste management wards.
The SCC has launched an innovative home composting initiative, providing subsidized compost bins for $30 to encourage residents to reduce their contributions to the landfill. Additionally, a waste minimization effort at the Suva Municipal Market processes one tonne of vegetable waste daily at the Samabula composting facility, with plans for expansion into satellite markets. The council aims to facilitate a gradual increase in production and collections from these markets as part of a long-term strategy to minimize waste management costs.
Notably, the review revealed that 94.5 percent of municipal solid waste is collected and managed at controlled facilities, indicating strong compliance with regulated waste management practices. The SCC’s ongoing commitment and initiatives illustrate a proactive approach towards reducing waste and fostering a sustainable environment for the future.
Overall, while challenges still exist, the efforts of the SCC and community involvement reflect a hopeful outlook for addressing waste management issues in Suva. By fostering a culture of responsible waste disposal and sustainability, there is potential for significant improvements in the city’s environmental health.
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