PRF & WRFL sign MOU with FDB for USAID-funded recycling project for Suva City

The Fiji Development Bank has come on board as an implementing partner for a major recycling project for Suva City, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program, in partnership with Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd and Pacific Recycling Foundation.

While making the announcement during the MOU signing, PRF’s Founder and CEO of WRFL, Mr. Amitesh Deo said the partnership is a positive reflection of the FDB’s commitment to aligning to best practices of waste management, and in this case, committing to a project that will be able to recover a significant number of recyclables from the FDB building.

“We are delighted to have the FDB on board for such an important program that aims at encouraging behavioural and mindset change to bring about proper waste management practices within Suva City,” said Mr. Deo.

He said following the implementation of the project and a comprehensive training program, the FDB and their tenants will get an opportunity to segregate recyclables at source through the ‘I Recycle Hub’ bin, which will greatly help in reducing the number of recyclables that are dumped at the landfill.

FDB CEO Mr. Saud Minam commented, “As the only Green Climate Fund (GCF) accredited Bank in the South Pacific, it is imperative for FDB to participate in such initiatives and integrate recycling into its daily operations.”

“The benefits of joining this partnership are well worth it, which include strengthening the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts and our dedication to environmentally sustainable operations. These small steps will yield big results.”

“At FDB we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting ecological sustainability. By being responsible for our waste and encouraging our staff and tenants to participate in this program, we ensure that we do our part to protect the environment.”

This major recycling project is part of the U.S. Government’s efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution, whereby the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program has awarded a grant to WRFL and PRF to design and build I-Recycle Hub bins that will promote recycling practices in Suva City.

With USAID’s support, five bins will be set up in well-known high-occupancy establishments around the city, particularly in office buildings, apartments, and small business shops.

WRFL will collect recyclables from the five I-Recycle Hub bins and transport them to the recycling yard in Lami for further sorting and processing. These recyclables will then be shipped to overseas partners for recycling purposes.

The project will be launched soon.