Mollyn Nakabea 
Supplied
Grassroots recycling organisations across the Pacific are calling for a greater say in decisions shaping the sector.
The Pacific Recyclers Alliance claims its members are often left out of discussions on recycling and environmental policy, despite their work supporting communities and livelihoods.
PRA President Amitesh Deo says their lived experience must be considered when new recycling systems and policies are developed.
Deo says regional recycling models must be informed by those who understand the realities of the sector from the ground up.
“We welcome the growing attention being given to recycling across the Pacific. But we must remember that recycling did not begin when it became part of policy or investment conversations. People and organizations have been doing this work for years, often with very limited support and recognition. Their lived experience must be part of the conversation about where recycling goes next.”
The Alliance says grassroots recyclers should move from being treated simply as stakeholders to becoming sector shapers, involved in designing policies, programmes and investment models.
It is also calling for new investment and initiatives to strengthen existing grassroots systems, rather than create parallel structures.
