Pacific Recycling Foundation Welcomes Proposed Increase in Litter Fines, Calls for Stronger Deterrence and Holistic Action

Pacific Recycling Foundation has welcomed the Government’s proposed increase in littering fines from $40 to $200, as announced by Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, noting that while this step was needed, further increases may be required to ensure it serves as a strong deterrent.

PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, said this move signals an important step toward addressing Fiji’s growing waste management challenges and reinforcing accountability at all levels of society.

“An increase in litter fines is both timely and necessary. It sends a clear message that littering is not a minor issue, but one that has serious environmental, social, and economic consequences for our country,” said Deo.

PRF emphasised that penalties alone will not be sufficient to create lasting change.

“For this to serve as a strong deterrent, we believe the fines may need to be increased further, alongside consistent enforcement. However, fines alone will not solve the problem. Real, sustainable change will come from shifting mindsets and behaviours across communities,” Deo added.

PRF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to support nationwide awareness, education, and behaviour change initiatives through its recycling programs, highlighting the importance of inclusive and holistic approaches that engage communities, schools, and businesses.

Deo stressed that effective monitoring will be critical to the success of the new measures, particularly in known littering hotspots. The Foundation also recommended that funds collected through fines be reinvested into enforcement and monitoring systems.

“We are planning to pilot camera monitoring in a key hotspot area to support enforcement and behaviour change and will be reaching out to the Ministry and the relevant municipal council to explore partnerships on this,” Deo said.

“Revenue generated from fines should be channelled back into improving proper waste management systems, including monitoring and supporting initiatives that prevent litter from entering our environment in the first place,” he added.

The Foundation remains committed to supporting national efforts that advocate accountability, inclusion, and long-term environmental sustainability.