The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has raised serious concerns regarding the recent findings of used needles and syringes in its recycling initiatives within community and educational environments, as well as during clean-up efforts.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder and Chief Executive of PRF, is alarmed by this emerging trend, highlighting that the occurrence of such materials in recycling programs is becoming more frequent and presents a major risk to the health and safety of recycling personnel and the general public.
“It is extremely concerning that needles and syringes, which are considered hazardous waste, are being improperly discarded in recycling bins. Such reckless behavior exposes our recycling workers to significant danger, as they might come into contact with potentially contaminated needles,” Deo noted.
He emphasized that the discovery of these items in the recycling programs and similar instances during a recent clean-up campaign organized by PRF in Koronivia are particularly alarming.
Deo pointed out that as a grassroots organization, PRF is witnessing the severity of Fiji’s drug crisis across the various communities they engage with, highlighted by a troubling rise in the number of needles and syringes found in their recycling initiatives and at community clean-up events.
He stressed the urgent need for creating referral pathways and establishing rehabilitation centers with specialized support to address the ongoing drug crisis.
“PRF stresses that all medical waste, including needles and syringes, must be disposed of through appropriate, secure channels. Recycling programs cannot accommodate hazardous materials, and the presence of such items in recycling streams presents serious dangers, including potential injuries and the transmission of diseases,” he highlighted.
The Foundation appeals for heightened vigilance and collaboration from all sectors to mitigate the risks associated with the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
“We cannot ignore the possible hazards arising from these practices. The safety of our workers and the effectiveness of our recycling efforts rely on urgent action and accountability,” Deo added.