Fiji's recycling program diverts millions of containers from landfills

Fiji's commitment to environmental sustainability is gaining momentum, with the Return and Earn program diverting an impressive seven million plastic bottles and aluminum cans from landfills in just six months. This success highlights a significant shift in public attitudes towards waste management across the nation.

The National Beverage Container Recycling Programme has collected a total of 7.5 million containers since its inception. Dwain Qalovaki, Sustainability Manager for Return and Earn Fiji, noted a growing trend of individuals actively separating recyclables from their household waste and returning them for the five-cent refund. "What we are seeing is that people are now collecting their bottles and cans, keeping them aside and bringing them back when they have a larger amount," Qalovaki stated.

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What we are seeing is that people are now collecting their bottles and cans, keeping them aside and bringing them back when they have a larger amount.

This initiative is actively changing daily habits, with more households now storing bottles and cans before taking them to one of the 12 collection centers operating across eight municipalities on Viti Levu. The program's growth has accelerated, with collections surging from two million containers in the first quarter to 5.5 million in the second. Qalovaki emphasized the ongoing efforts to equip municipal councils with the necessary staff, equipment, and systems to manage the increasing volume of recyclables. "The steady increase in collections shows communities are responding positively and becoming more involved in recycling," he said.

Despite this progress, expanding the program's reach, particularly to rural and maritime communities, remains a key challenge due to transportation and logistics. Future plans include increasing collection days, extending operating hours, and establishing more collection points. Return and Earn Fiji believes these small behavioral changes can lead to a substantial positive impact on the country's environmental future.

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The steady increase in collections shows communities are responding positively and becoming more involved in recycling.