A Bill to increase the fine for littering, how that money is going to be used and compliance will be debated today following the tabling of the Litter Amendment Bill in Parliament.
While tabling the Bill, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, says littering in Fiji is no longer what it used to be, and the law meant to control it has fallen behind.
Tabuya says the definition of waste should reflect current realities and, importantly, expand what counts as a public place.
She says the existing Litter Act, passed in 2008, was designed for a simpler time, when waste mostly meant small, everyday rubbish.
Tabuya says the situation is very different today whereby people are discarding electronics, solar panels, car batteries, diapers, and industrial waste, and illegal dumping has increased across the country.
The Minister made it clear that the law has not kept pace with these changes, leaving serious gaps in how waste is managed and controlled.
She says the new law updates the definition of waste to reflect current realities and, importantly, expands what counts as a public place and this means that dumping rubbish on vacant land or private property without permission will no longer fall into a grey area it will clearly be an offence.
Tabuya says the goal is to close loopholes that have made enforcement difficult and allowed offenders to avoid consequences.
She says the Bill also strengthens the powers of enforcement officers, where they will now be able to request official identification from suspected offenders and take action against people who leave rubbish out on streets or footpaths outside designated collection times.
She says in addition, photographic evidence will be accepted in court, making it easier to prove offences and hold people accountable and these measures are intended to bring more order to everyday waste management and improve compliance in communities.
Tabuya adds one of the most striking changes is the increase in penalties and the fixed fine for littering will rise from $40 to $200, a significant jump intended to act as a stronger deterrent and courts will also have the authority to impose heavier penalties on serious offenders, repeat violators, and companies.
She says alongside this, the Bill introduces a system where money collected from fines is reinvested.
She says 80 percent will go to municipal councils to support cleanup and awareness programs, while 20 percent will be directed to an Environmental Trust Fund for broader environmental efforts.
Tabuya says the Bill reflects a broader ambition and it is not just about punishing littering but about protecting Fiji’s environment, preserving its natural beauty, and maintaining the country’s appeal as a destination.
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