Tabuya: Partnerships key to tackling Fiji's growing waste challenge

Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji cannot address its growing waste challenge alone, calling for stronger partnerships between Government, communities and the private sector to protect the country's environment.

Speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of South Pacific Waste Recyclers in Suva last night, Ms Tabuya said lasting environmental change depended on collective action.

"Protecting our environment begins with each one of us, but lasting change happens when Government, communities and the private sector work together."

The event marked 15 years of South Pacific Waste Recyclers' contribution to Fiji's waste management sector, recognising the company's role in recovering recyclable materials, reducing waste sent to landfills, creating employment opportunities and supporting environmental sustainability through recycling and resource recovery.

Ms Tabuya said waste management was no longer solely an environmental issue but one that also affected public health, the economy, climate and sustainable development.

She said increasing waste generation, driven by population growth, urbanisation, tourism and changing consumption patterns, meant Fiji must continue strengthening partnerships to address the challenge.

The Minister highlighted the Government's recently finalised National Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy 2026–2035, describing it as a long-term roadmap for managing municipal waste, plastics, hazardous waste, electronic waste, end-of-life vehicles and pollution control.

She also highlighted progress on the proposed Container Deposit Regulations, which will introduce a refund system for beverage containers to encourage recycling and reduce litter nationwide.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change congratulated South Pacific Waste Recyclers on its 15th anniversary and acknowledged its partnership in supporting Fiji's efforts to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.