Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited Marks 32 Years of Resilience, Calling for Dignity, Recognition, and Inclusion of Grassroots Recyclers
Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited (WRFL), the entrepreneurial arm of the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), will mark its 32nd Anniversary today, celebrating a journey shaped by resilience, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to ending the waste crisis in Fiji while advancing its recycling movement.
Founded on grassroots action and lived experience, WRFL has spent over three decades navigating a challenging landscape, one often marked by stigma, marginalisation, and the persistent undervaluing of local knowledge in the recycling sector.
Founder of WRFL, Amitesh Deo, says the anniversary is not just a celebration of years, but of endurance and conviction.
“This journey has never been easy. We have faced pushback, stigma, and at times, outright dismissal of the very knowledge and experience that comes from working on the ground. But we made a decision early on, to stay true to our values and to ensure that in everything we do, we do no harm.”
Deo emphasized that WRFL’s approach has always centered around people as much as the environment.
“Recycling is not just about materials, it is about people. It is about recognising the dignity of those who have carried this work for decades, often without recognition or support.
Our responsibility has been to create systems that uplift, not exploit; to advocate, not overshadow.”
Over the years, WRFL has contributed to shifting public perception and behaviours around recycling, helping to bring greater visibility to the role of Collection Pillars of Recycling and grassroots recyclers in Fiji’s waste management ecosystem.
Despite operating with limited support, the organisation has continued to expand its impact, guided by its rights-based approach, which prioritises ethical engagement, inclusion, and sustainability.
“Resilience, for us, is not just about surviving challenges; it is about standing firm in your principles, even when it would be easier not to. It is about choosing purpose over convenience, every single time.”
As part of its anniversary reflections, WRFL will also highlight the volume of recyclables it has successfully diverted from landfill and exported for processing over the past five years, totalling over 20,000 tonnes of recyclables . This milestone underscores both the environmental impact of its work and the collective effort of those who contribute to Fiji’s recycling chain.
“Every kilogram represents effort, sacrifice, and belief. It represents people who continue to show up, despite the odds, because they believe in a better, more sustainable future.”
Looking ahead, WRFL remains committed to strengthening inclusive recycling systems, advocating for the recognition of grassroots expertise, and ensuring that progress in the sector continues to be guided by principles of dignity and fairness.
“Our journey sits at the intersection of passion and purpose. Our commitment remains to our purpose as recycling advocates, and this is reflected in our message to all Fijians: share our commitment and join the movement.”