Fiji pioneers unsorted plastic recycling initiative for a greener future

FIJI – The Republic of Fiji has launched a groundbreaking plastic recycling initiative, becoming the first country in the world to utilize specialized equipment for converting unsorted and uncleaned plastic waste into useful products.

According to The Fiji Times, the project, led by the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD), aims to enhance the nation’s waste management strategies.

Rob Denney of CATD emphasized the initiative’s importance, which is part of the broader Zero Emissions Shipping Project.

His comments align with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Biman Prasad’s call for improved waste management practices in Fiji.

Denney noted that the arrival of the new equipment marks a significant step towards modernizing Fiji’s waste disposal system.

This innovative machinery is designed to process various types of plastic waste at the community level, reaching villages, resorts, and schools.

It can handle mixed plastics by shredding, melting, and compacting the material encased in a protective woven layer.

This layer is essential, as it shields the recycled plastic from UV rays, preventing the degradation into harmful microplastics.

The final products created from this process are diverse, ranging from cotton-wrapped frisbees to fiberglass-coated signposts and cricket stumps.

These items, whether extruded or pressure-moulded in aluminium molds, maintain consistent quality and can be customized with different outer wrappings.

The project’s versatility has drawn international interest, with Fiji already securing orders for signposts to be exported to Australia.

Denney further shared that the project has established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various resorts, schools, and local governments to supply plastic waste and purchase recycled products.

This collaborative effort is set to transform waste into valuable items while reducing environmental impact.

Meanwhile, the Fijian government recently announced plans to create the country’s first-ever Waste Management Authority.

Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa highlighted this during the opening of the Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival, stating that the new Authority will be a centralized body aimed at improving the efficiency of waste collection, recycling, and disposal across Fiji.

Nalumisa noted that a feasibility study supports the establishment of the Waste Management Authority, which will play a crucial role in supporting local governments, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring consistent waste management practices nationwide.

He added that the Western Landfill will be a key component of the new Waste Management Strategy. It will serve as a hub for waste disposal in the Western Division and utilize advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact.

The Coalition Government remains committed to sustainable development in urban and rural communities, laying the groundwork for Fiji’s brighter, greener future.

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