Change your littering habits or pay $200

Fijians must change their littering habits or face a $200 fine from September 1, with Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa saying more rubbish bins alone will not solve the country’s waste problem.

As Government prepares to enforce tougher penalties under the new Litter Act, Mr Nalumisa said changing people’s behaviour towards waste management was just as important as enforcement.

"One thing that needs to change in Fiji is the people's habit," Mr Nalumisa said.

"It's true that the new Litter Act has some penalties that will act like a deterrent for people not to litter."

But Mr Nalumisa said penalties alone would not solve the problem.

"The deterrent should also change the way people think, the way people behave towards waste management. That's something that all of us need to support," he said.

He said councils around the country were reviewing the provision of rubbish bins as populations grew, with some considering smart bins.

However, Mr Nalumisa stressed that sorting rubbish "at source" around homes and municipalities was key to improving waste management.

Suva adds bins

Suva City Council acting chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa said people could avoid the new $200 fine simply by disposing of their rubbish responsibly.

"You can avoid totally paying the fine, even if it has increased to $200, if you avoid littering. As simple as that," Mr Boseiwaqa said.

He confirmed that 50 new rubbish bins would be installed around Cumming Street and other parts of Suva from next week, with more to follow.

"That is the way people can avoid paying the $200," he said.

Mr Nalumisa and Mr Boseiwaqa urged Fijians to take greater responsibility for their waste rather than wait for tougher enforcement to force behavioural change.