Waste and pollution have been identified as one of the greatest threats to sustainable development in Fiji, second to climate change.

The Ministry of Environment together with the Ministry of Agriculture will start a nationwide program of recycling organic waste within our backyards rather than sending it to dumpsites.

Environment Minister Dr. Mahendra Reddy says this could be an example of a self-sustaining system which is practical.

Dr. Reddy says this should be based on the sound principles of waste avoidance and minimization.

“Households, companies, and firms need to support by assisting recycling companies in separating out different types of waste. This will allow collection of those materials which can be recycled and converted into a product rather than being treated as waste and ending up in the dumpsite. We don’t have the capacity to handle this volume of rubbish.”

The Minister is urging household heads not to send organic or green waste to dump sites.

He adds his ministries will work with all stakeholders in dealing with gaps in the national strategy for waste management.