Zero tolerance on illegal dumping

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has launched enforcement action after a Walu Bay-based processing company was linked to the illegal dumping of fish waste along Namosi Road.

A joint inspection and investigation confirmed the company had been operating without a valid Waste Disposal Permit and had engaged an unlicensed transporter to remove fish waste.

Authorities said the transporter was denied entry at Naboro Landfill because the waste was improperly packaged. Verified evidence, including landfill records and CCTV footage, confirmed the same vehicle later disposed of the waste unlawfully.

The dumped waste was subsequently recovered, returned to the facility and transported to Naboro Landfill by a licensed operator.

The company will be issued a Non-Compliance Notice for operating without a valid Waste Disposal Permit. Further enforcement proceedings will also be undertaken for illegal dumping under Section 45 of the Environment Management Act 2005.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya condemned the actions.

“This conduct is unacceptable. Businesses are legally required to hold valid permits and to use licensed waste operators. Ignorance or convenience does not excuse unlawful dumping.”

“Illegal waste disposal threatens public health, undermines compliant businesses, and damages our environment. We will not hesitate to act.”

MECC reiterated that environmental compliance is mandatory and that regulatory breaches would attract decisive enforcement.

Protecting the environment is not optional — it is the law.