As we mark International Day of Zero Waste today (30^th March), the Founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation and CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, Amitesh Deo stressed that there is a great need to hold waste producers and those involved in waste management accountable in terms of where recyclables are ending up.

The United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 2022 formally recognised the importance of zero-waste initiatives and proclaimed 30 March as the International Day of Zero Waste, to be observed annually beginning in 2023.

Deo said one of the key messages of International Day of Zero Waste is to maximize recycling and it has now become absolutely necessary to monitor and track where our recyclables are ending up.

“Accountability and transparency remain key to achieving zero waste to landfill,” said Deo.

He said while many organisations are now talking about their environmental sustainability programs, one should question whether they are able to trace the recyclables that waste management companies are picking from their factories and offices.

“Waste management companies should be able to tell you what happens to the large quantities of recyclables such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and electronic waste that they collect in the name of proper waste management, and if they cannot, hold them accountable,” said Deo.

He said PRF and WRFL’s waste management and recycling programs have a monitoring and evaluation framework that collects data, provides feedback, and records lessons learned.

Deo added they are also concerned about massive amounts of recyclables, particularly plastics that are reaching remote areas and outer islands and are never finding their way back to the mainland.

He revealed PRF has engaged a consultant to conduct a feasibility study on getting recyclables from outer islands back to Viti Levu and they will be able to announce soon which models will be used to capture these recyclables.

The PRF’s Founder further stated that their long-term goal is to capture enough volumes of recyclables that justify the large-scale capital investment in recycling facilities that can employ those that are currently involved in informal waste picking.