Residents of Tongatapu are now presented with an exciting opportunity to earn income by recycling their empty PET plastic beverage bottles and cans, following the recent launch of a new program in Nuku’alofa. This initiative stems from a partnership between the Tonga Recycling Association (TRA), Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), and Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The TRA President, Saimone Vuki, highlighted that the program began as a pilot last year involving eight schools in the Tongatapu 1 electorate, which served as collection points for recyclable materials. The program has since expanded to include all schools across Tongatapu, with plans for establishing public collection centers to engage the larger community.
Vuki expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential environmental impact, stating, “We are delighted to be now collecting cans and PET beverage bottles in Tonga to be recycled, rather than sent to the landfill.” Within the school program, students are encouraged to bring used bottles and cans in designated bags for collection. These materials will be processed, and the baled products will be exported for recycling, potentially generating revenue for participating schools.
Local MP Tevita Puloka praised the initiative, describing it as a historic moment for Tongatapu 1 and a call to action for environmental stewardship within the community. He underscored the importance of involving youth in creating a cleaner and greener future for Tonga.
To incentivize participation, a competition was held among secondary schools to develop a name and logo for the recycling program. The winning design, created by Soakai Malu from Kolomotu’a, earned him a prize of TOP1,000 (approximately USD 415) and recognition as the face of the initiative.
CCEP’s Jeff Maguire emphasized the long-term vision of the program, indicating plans to transport collected PET bottles back to a recycling facility in Australia for reprocessing into new bottles. Natalie Helm from Coca-Cola ASEAN South Pacific reiterated the importance of efficient collection processes in meeting sustainability goals.
This program not only aids in environmental conservation by minimizing waste but also creates an enriching and rewarding experience for students and the broader community. The collaborative efforts of multiple organizations illustrate a strong commitment to fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment in Tongatapu, highlighting a hopeful perspective on responsible waste management throughout the Pacific region.
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