Waste Recyclers Fiji calls on more engagement with locals when developing the sector

Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd is calling for more recognition of local expertise in the recycling space, particularly from development partners.

They say local voices in the recycling space should not be drowned when they bring in overseas expertise to help them reshape the recycling landscape.

Waste Recyclers Director, Amitesh Deo says they constantly have situations where their input into the development and advancement of the recycling sector is undervalued, ignored or discounted as irrelevant.

He says while they welcome foreign expertise to guide them towards better systems and processes but there must always be an element of local inclusion.

Deo further says when they create new pathways for recycling or any sector for that matter, they must evaluate the process using a local frame of reference to ensure that there is sustainability to the concepts.

He adds they have also formed a strong network and relationship with the informal waste-pickers who collect recyclables as the main source of income in Fiji.

Deo says where informal waste pickers are concerned, they have very clear and community integrated plans for the informal waste picker community in Fiji which they will reveal leading up to the 2022 Global Recycling Day.

The company director says they will continue to demand for a consultation process when new concepts are introduced to he recycling space which must compliment the work that is currently in place and not take away from those who depend on the sector, in particular the grassroots community.

WRFL will announce its Global Recycling Day event plans in the next few days as work has already begun on some major announcements.

Global Recycling Day will be celebrated on the 18th of March.