As people continue to raise concerns about littering in public spaces, the Ministry of Environment is warning that from the beginning of next month, a person found committing a littering offence can be issued a $200 fine, a significant increase on the current $40 penalty.
This follows concerns raised by residents in areas such as Votualevu in Nadi, Makoi, Davuilevu Housing and Raiwasa in Suva about rubbish being dumped in public places.
Residents say this is a serious health and safety concern, especially for children using public spaces.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Permanent Secretary for Environment Dr Sivendra Michael is urging people, families and businesses to use available waste collection services and stop dumping rubbish in public places as our roadsides, drains, rivers, beaches and public spaces are not dumping grounds.
He is encouraging members of the public to shift away from the mindset and assumption that somebody else will clean up after them.
He says they also recognise that effective waste management cannot rely on enforcement alone as municipal councils face operational challenges including increasing waste volumes, collection coverage, equipment and transport requirements, and the costs associated with providing regular services.
Dr Michael 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.
He 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.
Dr Michael says littering does not simply make 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.
He 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.
Dr Michael 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.
He says this includes monitoring waste management practices, responding to complaints and working with councils where gaps in collection or improper disposal are identified.
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 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.
Dr Michael says the significant increase in the penalty for littering 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.
He 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.
Dr Michael says this expands the Ministry's enforcement reach and enables a more coordinated response to prevent littering in public spaces.
He 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.
Dr Michael 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.
