Fiji is set to become a pioneer in recycling as its new program, Return and Earn Fiji, launches next year, allowing citizens to earn money from their plastic waste. The initiative will enable residents to return PET bottles and aluminum cans of any brand to designated collection points, receiving a five-cent reward for every container returned. This community-focused effort aims not just to reduce litter and boost recycling efforts but also to generate income for participants.
Dwain Qalovaki, a representative for Return and Earn Fiji, emphasized that the organization operates as a not-for-profit entity and will oversee the collection of beverage containers. The processed materials will be sent to facilities in both Viti Levu and Vanua Levu before being dispatched to certified recyclers abroad. As part of this initiative, the organization plans to establish at least 50 collection sites throughout the country, with a complete rollout anticipated by mid-next year.
The Fiji government, represented by Permanent Secretary for Environment Dr. Sivendra Michael, is in the final stages of establishing regulations that will support this container deposit scheme. Previously, discussions around a similar initiative hinted at a renewed commitment to tackling plastic pollution and improving waste management, building on a framework for sustainable practices.
The Return and Earn Fiji program aligns with other successful recycling endeavors in the nation, such as the Pacific Recycling Foundation’s achievements in diverting almost five million kilograms of recyclables from landfills last year. These advancements not only signify a commitment to environmental stewardship but also represent a shift towards a more sustainable culture in Fiji, encouraging community participation in recycling and waste management practices.
As the Return and Earn program gains momentum, it stands as a hopeful testament to the collective effort within Fiji to empower citizens, engender a culture of recycling, and protect its precious environment. With various stakeholders collaborating on similar initiatives, there is optimism that Fiji will set a benchmarking example for effective waste management and environmental sustainability across the region.