PRF Takes First Step Towards Digitalising Fiji’s Recycling Data Systems
The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), together with Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited (WRFL), is taking the first major step towards transforming how recycling data is collected, managed, and processed in Fiji through its inaugural Data Digitalisation Workshop.
For more than three decades, data collection has been a fundamental part of WRFL’s recycling operations. Every recyclable collected, sorted and processed has contributed to understanding recycling trends, measuring environmental impact, and supporting operational decisions.
However, as recycling programmes have expanded and the volume and diversity of recyclables have increased, data collection and processing have remained largely manual, relying heavily on spreadsheets and paper-based systems that are increasingly time-consuming and prone to human error.
The workshop marks the beginning of a long-term process to transition these manual systems into a customised digital platform that will improve the efficiency, accuracy and accessibility of recycling data across the organisation.
Bringing together representatives from academia, government, development partners and other key stakeholders, the workshop will examine existing data collection practices, identify operational challenges, and begin designing a digital framework tailored to Fiji’s recycling sector. The initiative will also explore future opportunities, including digital applications and smarter reporting systems that can simplify data collection while producing faster and more reliable results.
The initiative emerged from discussions held during the Academic VAKA Forum hosted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) earlier this year, where regional academics and recycling practitioners explored practical ways to strengthen recycling through research and innovation. One of the forum’s outcomes was the establishment of a dedicated working group on recycling data digitalisation, which has now progressed into this first consultation workshop.
Facilitated by Dr. Shiva Abdoli of the University of New South Wales through research funding secured to support the initiative, the workshop represents the first phase of understanding PRF and WRFL’s existing data systems before developing a digital solution designed specifically around the realities of Fiji’s recycling operations.
PRF Founder Amitesh Deo said data has always been central to the organisation’s work, but modernising the way it is collected and managed has become increasingly important.
“Evidence-based decision-making has always guided our work. As recycling programmes continue to grow, so too has the amount of data we collect every day.”
“This workshop is the first step towards transforming a labour-intensive manual process into a digital system that will improve efficiency, reduce errors, strengthen reporting and ultimately help inform better policy, investment and environmental decision-making.”
Dr. Shiva Abdoli of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), who is facilitating the initiative through research funding secured to support the project, said digitalising recycling data begins with understanding existing systems before introducing technology.
“Digitalisation is not simply about introducing new technology; it starts with understanding the data, the processes, and the people who use them. This workshop brings together industry, researchers, and stakeholders to establish a shared understanding of Fiji’s recycling data landscape. By working collaboratively, we can identify opportunities to improve data quality, accessibility, and decision-making, creating a foundation for future innovation and more effective recycling systems.”
A stronger digital data system is expected to deliver benefits well beyond operational improvements. Reliable and accessible recycling data will strengthen environmental reporting, support scientific research, improve waste management planning, contribute towards carbon accounting, and provide stronger evidence for policymakers and development partners when making future investment decisions.
While the immediate focus is on strengthening recycling systems in Fiji, PRF believes the lessons learned through this initiative could eventually support wider collaboration across the Pacific by providing a practical model for standardised recycling data collection throughout the region.
The Data Digitalisation Workshop represents an important milestone in PRF’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that recycling decisions are driven by evidence, innovation and practical solutions, building stronger recycling systems that benefit both people and the environment.