Fiji’s recycling community has come together in solidarity with the people of Nepal following devastating floods that have caused widespread loss of life, displacement and destruction across the country.

The Pacific Recycling Foundation, together with members of Fiji’s recycling community, held a solidarity vigil at Malhana Cloud Kitchen Restaurant, where participants dressed in white, lit candles and placed messages to honour those who have lost their lives, those still missing and families facing immense loss.

The Foundation has also expressed particular concern for Nepal’s Collection Pillars of Recycling community, made up of people working informally in the collection and recovery of recyclable materials.
PRF understands that some members of the community have lost their lives, while others remain missing following information received through its CPR networks.

The flooding, which struck Nepal on August 26, has affected thousands of people across several districts, causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.
For grassroots recyclers, the disaster has also meant the loss of homes, recyclable materials, access to collection points and sources of income, while contaminated water and hazardous debris have created further risks.

PRF Founder Amitesh Deo highlighted that the vigil reflects the close relationship Fiji’s recycling community has built with recyclers in Nepal.PRF representatives travelled to Nepal in 2024 for the International Alliance of Waste Pickers Asia Pacific Region Coordination Meeting, where they met and engaged directly with members of the country’s recycling community.

Deo said the vigil may be a small gesture, but it carries an important message that Nepal’s recycling community is not forgotten and is not alone.The Pacific Recycling Foundation, Pacific Recyclers Alliance and its national CPR Alliance have reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Nepal, particularly those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in the disaster.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa