The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has raised alarms over the increase in drug-related incidents in Fiji, highlighting recent finds of used needles and syringes in recycling bins. PRF founder Amitesh Deo stressed that this alarming trend jeopardizes the health and safety of both recycling workers and the public.
Deo expressed serious concerns regarding the hazardous waste being improperly discarded, stating, “It is extremely concerning that needles and syringes are being mismanaged in recycling facilities. Such reckless behavior places our recycling workers at considerable risk of encountering potentially contaminated needles.”
The PRF is urging everyone to ensure that all medical waste, including needles and syringes, is disposed of correctly and in secure locations. “Our recycling programs are not designed to manage hazardous materials. The presence of these items in recycling poses severe risks, including the possibility of injuries.”
The foundation is advocating for greater vigilance and collaboration across all sectors to mitigate the dangers associated with the unsafe disposal of hazardous waste.
In related efforts, the Ministry of Health is considering syringe access legislation to address the increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases connected to practices like drug use, needle sharing, and group sex. Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu noted that the rise in HIV rates is linked to ‘chemsex’ practices, where individuals use drugs by sharing needles. He expressed concern about the escalating transmission rates and underscored the need for innovative strategies to confront the issue.