The Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) have been acknowledged in regional discussions, according to Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation and secretary of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance.
CPR refers to individuals engaged in the collection of recyclable materials. Deo noted that the fourth Clean Pacific Round Table (CPRT), organized by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Tuvalu, highlighted key outcomes and significant advancements in grassroots recycling initiatives as well as the empowerment of the Collection Pillars of Recycling.
The outcomes from CPRT included the recognition of the Pacific Recyclers Alliance, which brings together six existing national recyclers associations to harmonize waste management and pollution control efforts across the Pacific region.
Deo emphasized that the results underline the importance of the Collection Pillars of Recycling in member states and encourage Pacific island nations and territories to establish national recyclers associations, thereby increasing membership and representation within the Pacific Recyclers Alliance.
Expressing the alliance’s enthusiasm, Deo remarked, “Our voices are finally being heard.” He added, “The acknowledgment of the role of the Collection Pillars of Recycling in the CPRT outcomes is a significant achievement for the thousands of individuals involved in collecting recyclables throughout Fiji and other Pacific nations.”
He explained that the term “Collection Pillars of Recycling” was initially introduced by a group of women in Vunato, Lautoka, previously known as waste pickers. This marked a watershed moment, as a term created by informal recyclable collectors has now entered high-level policy discussions, highlighting their essential role and influence in developing sustainable waste management strategies throughout the Pacific.