Fiji plans tougher litter penalties, plastic bans

Fiji’s battle against plastic waste is set to intensify through tougher penalties, refund incentives and proposed bans aimed at cutting litter nationwide.

Fiji is on the verge of stronger plastic and litter laws, with higher fines, a container deposit system, and possible bans on certain single-use plastics in the pipeline.

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change permanent secretary Dr Sivendra Michael made the announcement today while opening a follow-up workshop on strengthening the country's national plastics data systems at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay in Suva.

"The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is advancing a comprehensive policy reform agenda to strengthen Fiji's response to plastic pollution and waste management," Mr Michael said.

The Litter Act is currently under review by the Solicitor General's Office, with increased fines and new regulations being finalised.

Mr Michael said the fines would vary depending on the type of waste and whether the offender is an individual or a company.

A container deposit system is also being developed, which would place a refundable value on beverage containers to encourage their return and reduce litter in public spaces.

The Ministry is also assessing restrictions on certain single-use plastics, products with limited recyclability and high leakage into the environment, which could include bans or phase-outs.

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change permanent secretary Dr Sivendra Michael with participants during the follow-up workshop on strengthening Fiji's National Plastic and Waste Data Systems at the Novotel Hotel in Lami on March 11, 2026.

Photo: Supplied

The National Integrated Waste Management Strategy is also near completion, providing a national framework covering waste prevention, recycling infrastructure, and final disposal.

The workshop, supported by the University of New South Wales, the UK Blue Planet Fund, and other partners, presented a baseline national plastics data inventory, the first of its kind, to help guide these reforms.

Mr Michael said the data would underpin evidence-based policy decisions and help Fiji meet its commitments on plastic pollution at both the national and global level.

"Ambitious policies must be supported by very strong systems," he said.

The workshop follows a first session held in last October.