Tongatapu residents now have a new opportunity to earn money by recycling their empty PET plastic beverage bottles and cans, following the formal launch of an innovative program in Nuku’alofa this past Saturday. This initiative is the result of a collaboration 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).
TRA President Saimone Vuki highlighted that the program started as a pilot last year with eight schools in the Tongatapu 1 electorate, which acted as collection points for recyclable materials. The initiative has now expanded to include all schools across Tongatapu, with plans to establish public collection centers to involve the broader community.
Vuki expressed excitement about the environmental benefits of the program, stating, “We are delighted to be now collecting cans and PET beverage bottles in Tonga to be recycled, rather than sent to the landfill.” In the school program, students are encouraged to bring in their used bottles and cans in provided bags. These materials are collected, processed, and bales are exported for recycling, creating a potential revenue stream for schools.
Local MP, Tevita Puloka, also expressed pride in the program, calling it a historic moment for Tongatapu 1 and a rallying call for environmental stewardship within the community. He emphasized the importance of youth engagement to ensure a cleaner and greener future for Tonga.
To promote participation, a competition was held among secondary schools to create a name and logos for the recycling scheme. The winner, Soakai Malu from Kolomotu’a, received a prize of TOP1,000 (approximately USD 415) and recognition of his design as the face of the program.
Jeff Maguire from CCEP highlighted the long-term goals of the initiative, stating that they plan to transport collected PET bottles back to a recycling plant in Australia, where they can be transformed into new bottles. Natalie Helm from Coca-Cola ASEAN South Pacific reinforced the importance of effective collection systems in achieving sustainability targets for packaging.
This program not only contributes to environmental conservation by reducing waste but also creates an engaging and rewarding experience for students and the wider community. The collaborative efforts of various organizations in this initiative showcase a commitment to making Tongatapu a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations, reflecting a hopeful outlook for responsible waste management in the Pacific region.
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