Balawa neighbourhood in Lautoka is strengthening recycling through the Return and Earn Initiative, with revenue generated helping to fund CCTV data for community safety.
Balawa Neighbourhood Committee Secretary Shalend Singh says the community collected two bail bags and 10 garbage bags of recyclable bottles during its second collection drive yesterday.
Singh stresses that initiatives like the Return and Earn programme are not only reducing waste but also creating opportunities for communities to fund their own development projects.
He highlights that money generated from recycling can be used for practical community needs such as purchasing brush cutters, installing CCTV cameras, and setting up solar lights to improve safety and living conditions.
He adds that the initiative is supported by eight beverage companies, whose contributions are helping to sustain operations and expand recycling efforts across communities.
Singh is urging residents to see recycling as a shared responsibility, stressing that small individual actions can collectively make a significant impact.
He says every plastic bottle and aluminium can recycled helps reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and lower Fiji’s carbon footprint while preserving the environment for future generations.
Residents are also encouraged to separate their waste and motivate family members and neighbours to do the same, as part of a broader push to reduce landfill waste and keep communities clean.
Singh is urging residents across Lautoka to take recycling into their own hands, with communities now able to turn plastic bottles and aluminium cans into income while helping to protect the environment.
