The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has concluded its National Stakeholder Consultation on the proposed Product Stewardship Scheme Bill and Container Deposits Regulations, following consultations across the three divisions.
The consultations began in Suva for the Central and Eastern Divisions (19 Aug), continued in Labasa for the Northern Division (20 Aug), and concluded in Lautoka for the Western Division today (21 Aug), bringing together Government agencies, businesses, municipal councils, communities, waste and recycling operators and other key stakeholders.
The consultations provided an opportunity to present the proposed scheme and regulations, ensure stakeholders understand their proposed roles and responsibilities, and test practical arrangements around registration, collection, refunds, reporting and compliance.
Importantly, feedback received from stakeholders across the divisions will assist the Ministry in finalizing the regulations ahead of approval and implementation.
Under the proposed Container Deposit Regulations, eligible beverage containers would be given a value after use, creating a financial incentive for consumers to return containers rather than litter, burn or dispose of them with general waste.
Beverage containers remain a visible part of Fiji’s litter and waste stream, while their collection and disposal continue to place pressure on public waste-management systems. When these containers are improperly discarded, valuable recyclable materials are also lost.
The proposed system aims to increase collection and recovery, strengthen recycling and encourage greater responsibility for waste, while supporting Fiji’s transition towards a more circular economy.
The Ministry thanks all stakeholders who participated in the national consultations and contributed their views towards developing a system that is practical, accessible and appropriate for Fiji.