Pacific Recycling Foundation Calls for People-Centred Decision Making on Vuda Waste-to-Energy Discussions

The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) reiterates that all decisions regarding the proposed Vuda waste-to-energy project be guided by the principle of putting people before profits. While economic opportunities are important, equal consideration must be given to the long-term environmental impact and the wellbeing of communities who depend on Fiji’s land, air, and ocean.

PRF also emphasises that people must be able to openly voice their opinions and exercise their freedom of expression, particularly on matters that carry national and environmental significance. Open and inclusive dialogue is essential to ensuring that decisions reflect the collective interest.

It is concerning to see situations where speaking up may be associated with personal or professional risk, as this challenges the progress made in strengthening open and democratic dialogue in Fiji.

The Foundation further highlights that individuals must not face insecurity or repercussions when expressing their views. Freedom of expression must be upheld without fear of repercussions, including concerns around employment.

PRF also calls on landowning units to make fully informed decisions, carefully considering every potential impact before offering land for development. This includes understanding environmental, social, and long-term implications, as well as how proposed projects align with sustainable waste management practices.

As grassroots recyclers, one of PRF’s primary concerns remain the volume and management of waste in Fiji. Based on available data, Fiji generates approximately 200,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, a figure that includes recyclable and reusable materials. The potential for such materials to be incinerated raises important questions about resource recovery and sustainability.

The Environmental Impact Assessment for the Fiji Energy from Waste Project indicates that the proposed facility is designed to process up to 2,700 tonnes of non-recyclable waste per day. However, the process for distinguishing between recyclable and non-recyclable waste prior to incineration is not clearly outlined. Given that the proposed feedstock volume closely aligns with Fiji’s total annual waste generation, this raises concerns about whether recyclable materials may be diverted away from recovery and into disposal streams.

PRF stresses that decision-makers must carefully consider the waste hierarchy, prioritising reduction, reuse, and recycling before disposal. Any approach to waste management should strengthen, not undermine, these principles.

PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, highlighted the importance of balanced and informed decision-making.
“We encourage all leaders and stakeholders to continue engaging in open dialogue as we collectively navigate this issue. Our focus must remain on solutions that protect both people and the environment, ensuring that decisions made today do not create unintended challenges for future generations,” Deo said.

To further support informed engagement, PRF will be convening an upcoming VAKA Forum session with landowning units, providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and deeper understanding of waste management and environmental stewardship.

The Pacific Recycling Foundation remains committed to advocating for inclusive, transparent, and sustainable solutions approaches that reflect the voices of communities and uphold the responsibility we all share in protecting Fiji’s environment.