Fiji initiates national waste management and product stewardship reforms

Fiji is moving toward a comprehensive reform of its waste management system through the introduction of a National Product Stewardship Scheme and Beverage Container Regulations. During a national consultation, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, emphasized that responsibility for products must be shared across their entire lifecycle, involving producers, importers, retailers, and consumers.

A proposed Container Deposit Scheme would allow consumers to receive refunds for eligible beverage containers upon return. This initiative follows the enactment of the Litter (Amendment) Act 2026, which increased littering penalties from $40 to $200, and the approval of the National Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy 2026–2035.

However, the Pacific Recycling Foundation has called for greater accountability, with CEO Amitesh Deo warning that some recycling initiatives lack the necessary infrastructure for collection and processing. Deo noted that without proper systems, recyclables often end up in dumpsites despite being placed in collection bins. The Fiji Council of Churches also highlighted the growing environmental pressures on Pacific communities, including pollution and rising sea levels.