Fiji’s Recycling Community Stands with the People of Nepal Following Devastating Floods

The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), together with Fiji’s recycling community, held a solidarity vigil at Malhana Cloud Kitchen Restaurant today, standing with the people of Nepal following the devastating floods that have caused widespread loss of life, displacement and destruction across the country.

Participants dressed in white, lit candles and placed messages of solidarity to honour those who have lost their lives, those who remain missing, and the families and communities facing immense loss.

PRF extends its deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the people of Nepal, particularly the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPRs) people working informally in the collection and recovery of recyclable materials, whose communities have been severely affected by the disaster.

Following distressing information received through CPR networks on Sunday night, PRF understands that some CPRs have lost their lives, while others remain missing. PRF continues to engage with its regional and global alliance networks to better understand the situation and the needs of those affected.

The catastrophic flooding that struck Nepal on 26 August has had a devastating impact on communities across several districts, with thousands of people affected and significant damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.

For CPRs, whose livelihoods depend largely on collecting, sorting and recovering recyclable materials, the impact is particularly severe. The loss of homes, stored recyclable materials, access to collection points and income, combined with damaged infrastructure, contaminated water and hazardous debris, has created additional risks for an already vulnerable community.

The disaster also highlights the essential role CPRs play in recovering recyclable materials and supporting environmental recovery. Yet those who contribute to keeping materials within the recycling chain can themselves be among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes.

A Community We Have Met and Stood Beside

PRF’s connection with Nepal’s CPR community is personal.

In 2024, PRF representatives travelled to Nepal to attend the Inaugural International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) Asia Pacific Region Coordination Meeting, where they met and engaged directly with CPRs and organisations working alongside them.

The visit provided PRF with an opportunity to learn from the experiences of Nepal’s recycling community and build relationships with people working on the ground to recover recyclable materials and support their families and communities.

Several members of the CPR community affected by the floods are part of the wider community with whom Fiji has engaged and built relationships.

PRF Founder Amitesh Deo said the vigil was a reflection of the close connection between Fiji and Nepal’s recycling communities.

“When we heard about the devastating impact of the floods on Nepal, particularly on the CPR community we have met and engaged with, we felt compelled to stand with them. Today’s vigil is a small gesture, but it carries a very important message that they are not forgotten, and they are not alone.”

The vigil at Malhana Cloud Kitchen brought members of Fiji’s recycling community together to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those affected. Candles and messages placed symbolised remembrance and solidarity with Nepal during a time of immense grief and uncertainty.

“Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones and to everyone affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with those still waiting for news of family members, and our solidarity is with the CPR community who are facing the loss of homes, livelihoods and loved ones,” Deo said.

PRF, the Pacific Recyclers Alliance (PRA) and its national CPR Alliance stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal and particularly with the CPR community during this devastating time.

The struggles of grassroots recyclers do not stop at national borders. Across the Pacific and around the world, recycling communities share a common understanding of the importance of this work and the challenges faced by those who sustain it.

Today, Fiji stands with Nepal.

Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal. Our condolences are with those who have lost loved ones. Our prayers are with those still missing. Our solidarity is with Nepal’s CPR community.