Remembering the most vulnerable on International Day of Charity

As the world observes International Day of Charity on 5 September, Waste Recyclers Fiji (WRFL) and Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) dedicate this day to remembering and honouring one of the most vulnerable groups, those involved in waste picking globally.

“There is a lot that needs to be done to support those individuals engaged in waste picking, the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) (formerly known as informal waste pickers),” said WRFL Director/CEO and PRF Founder Amitesh Deo.

One of the key objectives of PRF is to provide structured support to those individuals engaged in waste picking without creating a sense of dependency.

“We recognize the important work that this group does when it comes to waste collection globally. However, this group also is one of the most neglected and disempowered in all communities” said Mr. Deo.

Due to this social disparity and the stigma attached to the work, individuals engaged in waste collection are often the most adversely impacted during a crisis irrespective of whether it is health, political or natural.

“For instance, after Cyclone Winston, most individuals and groups engaged in waste picking did not resume their work for over 6 months. This is as their lives were drastically impacted by the cyclone,” said Mr. Deo

Most individuals engaged in waste collections live in very poor housing conditions and usually in areas prone to flooding. As such, during natural disasters such as cyclones, most end up losing everything they own.

“Under PRF, we are actively seeking partnership opportunities to empower these groups and provide support through training, accessibility to services and financial empowerment,” said Mr Deo.

The foundation is also actively seeking assistance in building stock of personal protective equipment (PPE’s) such as hand gloves, gumboots, raincoats, safety glasses, reflector jackets and so forth.

“The support and empowerment to this group means a more dignified work structure for them as well as an increase in the recyclable collection steams which has both environmental and social justice impact.” said Mr. Deo.