Recycling and waste management should not only be about collecting products, but also about protecting the dignity and livelihoods of the people involved in the process.
Pacific Recycling Foundation Founder and Director Amitesh Deo highlighted this while speaking during the Vaka Forum session with the Fiji Council of Churches.
Deo says Fiji needs to move away from what he describes as the “glamour” of sustainability, where recycling programmes are launched and bins are placed in communities without proper systems to collect and process the waste.
He says people often see recycling bins being installed, but are left wondering who will collect the materials and what will eventually happen to them.
According to Deo, this can cause communities to lose trust in recycling programmes.
He says an effective recycling system needs to work from beginning to end — including behaviour change, accessible collection points, proper collection and processing, as well as feedback to communities about what happens to their recyclables.
Deo says too many recycling programmes in Fiji end up being little more than publicity exercises, with organisations launching initiatives and taking photographs while rubbish continues to block drains and litter streets.
He stresses that recycling must be carried out ethically and transparently, warning against greenwashing and programmes created simply to improve an organisation’s image.
Deo says religious organisations can play an important role because of their influence in communities, and the forum is aimed at helping faith-based groups better understand the realities faced by grassroots recycling organisations.
He says the forum is also working towards a number of commitments, including working closely with grassroots organisations and incorporating proper recycling and waste management practices into religious events, churches and communities.
Deo also highlighted the human side of waste management, saying informal waste collectors and people involved in grassroots recycling are an important part of the system.
He says recycling should not be viewed simply as a product issue, but as an issue connected to people and their dignity.
Deo adds that Fiji also needs a more holistic approach to recycling, rather than focusing only on products that have financial incentives.
He says proper policies, collection systems and support for recycling organisations are needed to ensure recyclable materials are managed responsibly and do not end up in dumpsites or through illegal disposal.
Deo is encouraging the public to recognise that solving Fiji’s waste management challenges will require more than simply placing bins around communities.
He says what is needed is a system that genuinely works from collection through to recycling.
