Following serious concerns raised by residents living in areas such as Votualevu, Nadi, Makoi, Davuilevu Housing and Raiwasa in Suva about rubbish being dumped in public places, the Ministry of Environment is urging people to dispose their waste responsibly as our roadsides, drains, rivers, beaches and public spaces are not dumping grounds.
This comes as concerns have been raised by residents in Nadi, Nasinu and the wider Suva area that people and businesses have been dumping rubbish on roadsides, footpaths and at roundabouts.
They say this is a serious health and safety concern, especially for children using our public spaces.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Permanent Secretary for Environment Dr Sivendra Michael says every individual, household and business has a responsibility to ensure that the waste they generate is properly collected, stored and disposed of through appropriate waste management services.
He is encouraging members of the public to shift away from the mindset and assumption that somebody else will clean up after them.
The Permanent Secretary stresses that littering does not simply make our communities look untidy as waste discarded into drains and waterways can contribute to blocked drainage and flooding, while plastics and other waste ultimately enters our rivers and ocean, affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
Dr Michael says the Ministry continues to work closely with municipal councils to strengthen waste collection and ensure that waste generated within municipal boundaries is properly collected and disposed of at approved disposal facilities.
He says while municipal councils are responsible for the delivery of waste collection services within their respective areas, the Ministry provides the broader regulatory oversight for waste management and pollution control which includes monitoring waste management practices, responding to complaints and working with councils where gaps in collection or improper disposal are identified.
Dr Michael says they also recognise that effective waste management cannot rely on enforcement alone as councils face operational challenges including increasing waste volumes, collection coverage, equipment and transport requirements, and the costs associated with providing regular services.
He says they continue to engage with councils to find ways to take forward practical measures to improve collection systems and service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary also says that importantly, the recently approved National Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy 2026–2035 provides a national framework for strengthening waste management across Fiji, including improving collection, resource recovery and recycling and reducing the amount of waste entering dumpsites and impacting the environment.
He says the Ministry is also strengthening collaboration with municipal councils through the training and appointment of Litter Prevention Officers which allows council officers to support the implementation and enforcement of the Litter (Amendment) Act 2026, identify litter hotspot areas and take action against individuals who continue to litter and illegally dispose of waste.
However, Dr Michael stresses that there must also be responsibility taken by individuals, households, and businesses.
He stresses that where a collection service is available, the public must utilise that service and ensure rubbish is properly collected and made available for collection at the appropriate collection times and locations.
The Permanent Secretary says the absence of responsible behaviour will undermine the effort by councils to improve waste management and it is critical that all stakeholders play their part.
He further says that the significant increase in penalty for littering from from $40 to $200, effective from 1st September, is intended to strengthen deterrence and send a clear message that littering and irresponsible disposal of waste will not be tolerated.
Dr Michael says Litter Prevention Officers, including authorised officers from municipal councils and other relevant agencies, are being trained to support surveillance, reporting and enforcement of the Litter Act.
He sys this expands the Ministry's enforcement reach and enables a more coordinated response to prevent littering in public spaces.
Dr Michael says where incidents involve more serious or large-scale illegal dumping, the Ministry will assess the circumstances of the offence and pursue the appropriate enforcement action available under the applicable environmental legislation.
He stresses that the increased penalty is only one part of the Government's broader approach as they are strengthening enforcement while also improving public awareness and encouraging communities, businesses and individuals to take responsibility for the waste they generate.
