PRF to conduct a mapping exercise of those involved in waste picking in Fiji
The Pacific Recycling Foundation has announced that it will conduct a mapping exercise of the informal waste collection sector in Fiji and through this project, the Foundation aims to create a comprehensive database of those involved in waste picking, which will be useful for policy-makers, researchers, and other stakeholders.
During a press conference, PRF’s Founder, Mr. Amitesh Deo revealed this project which is aimed at shedding light on an important but often overlooked aspect of waste management, will be carried out in partnership with Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO).
WIEGO is a global network focused on empowering the working poor, especially women, in the informal economy to secure their livelihoods.
He said the PRF is committed to bringing attention to the challenges faced by Collection Pillars of Recycling and advocating for their rights, and this particular mapping exercise is a first for Fiji’s waste-picking sector.
Mr. Deo said the informal waste collection sector, comprised mainly of waste pickers who are now known as Collection Pillars of Recycling, plays a crucial role in keeping our communities clean and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill and dumpsites or our oceans.
“These workers often face significant challenges, including a lack of recognition and support, low wages, and limited access to resources and equipment. The PRF will work closely with CPRs, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders to collect data on their socio-economic and environmental conditions, including their living conditions, access to basic services and amenities, and work-related challenges,” said Mr. Deo.
Mr. Deo revealed a team from the PRF will travel to various communities in late June and early July, this year to conduct the mapping exercise.
“We are requesting organisations, municipalities, groups, and individuals who may have information about people who are involved in waste picking to relay the message to them about this mapping exercise as we don’t want to miss anyone.
We also know some individuals are not involved in waste picking on a full-time basis like those who live on the streets or may be involved in other kinds of work and resort to waste picking when there is a need. We also want to capture these individuals in the mapping exercise,” said Mr. Deo
He said the PRF team has already met several people involved in waste picking.
“We came across a 59-year-old woman who started waste picking with her father when she was 9. We met another woman who takes her little children with her when out waste picking as she has to beast-feed them,” said Mr. Deo.
According to the PRF Founder, the data from the mapping exercise will also help the PRF in developing strategies to provide structured support to these individuals, aimed at improving their working and living conditions as well as creating opportunities to eventually move them to the formal sector through Green Jobs.
Mr. Deo said they are grateful to Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre who have come forward to assist in the mapping exercise, through the provision of counsellors.
“We are aware that many CPRs come from vulnerable communities and may have a traumatic history. Through FWCC’s assistance who have expertise in the area of gender and counselling, we will be able to assist the CPRs with counselling services during the mapping exercise,” said Mr. Deo.
The PRF Founder further stated that Asco Motors has also come on board by providing a vehicle for the travelling PRF team. He said this partnership shows a shared vision and alignment towards best practices of recycling and those involved in this space, particularly the CPRs.
He added they have shared the questionnaires with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation, Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Fiji Cancer Society, and Diabetes Fiji, and have also tapped into their expertise.