The Suva City Council has officially launched a buy-back center for PET bottles and aluminum cans in partnership with Return & Earn Fiji, marking an important advancement in the area of environmental sustainability for the capital city. This initiative underscores the council’s dedication to preserving a clean, green, and resilient urban environment.
Tevita Boseiwaqa, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Suva City Council, highlighted the critical significance of this new center. He expressed that, as Fiji’s capital, both residents and visitors have high expectations for a well-maintained city. The Return & Earn Centre offers a practical approach to encourage responsible waste disposal, enabling communities to play a vital role in reducing litter and safeguarding the environment.
Dwain Qalovaki, a spokesperson for Return & Earn Fiji, praised Suva’s essential contribution to beverage container recovery throughout the country. He emphasized that the establishment of this center in the heart of the capital is pivotal in driving the collection of beverage containers, and is made possible through robust partnerships with the country’s thirteen municipal councils.
The new Return and Earn Centre will be housed at the Suva City Council’s Compost Facility on Lakeba Street in Samabula and will be operational every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This initiative not only facilitates community involvement in environmental conservation but also serves as a proactive measure in the ongoing fight against litter in Fiji, setting a positive example for other regions to follow.