To reduce litter and promote recycling, Return and Earn Fiji will roll out a coordinated, community-driven, industry-funded system by mid-next year for collecting beverage containers, specifically for PET bottles and aluminium cans.
The not-for-profit organisation says it will unify the collection efforts of eight companies into a system that makes it easier for the public to return containers and receive five cents for every beverage container of any brand.
Spokesperson Dwain Qalovaki says the system aims to set up at least fifty collection sites across the country in partnership with communities, government and non-government organisations.
He says the materials will then be transferred to facilities on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu for processing before shipment to verified recyclers abroad.
He adds that, at regular intervals, the organisation will release public reports on the system to demonstrate its contribution toward environmental stewardship.
The system is funded by eight beverage companies including Carpenters (Fiji) Pte Ltd, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (Fiji) Ltd, Eddie Hin Beverages Pte Ltd, Frezco Beverages Pte Ltd, Motibhai and Company Ltd, Natural Waters of Viti Pte Ltd, Pacific Island Beverages Pte Ltd, and Pleass Global Ltd.
Membership is open to other companies that import and sell beverages in Fiji.
