27 August 2026, Suva - Fiji has taken an important step towards strengthening sustainable waste management and resource recovery through the initiation of national consultations on the Draft Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations.
The draft Product Stewardship Bill seeks to establish a stronger framework for producers, importers, retailers, consumers and other stakeholders to take greater responsibility for the environmental impacts of products placed on the market.
With technical and financial assistance from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the GEF ISLANDS Pacific Project, consultations were held in Labasa for northern division stakeholders on 17 August 2026, Suva for the central division on 19 August, and Lautoka for the Western Division 21 August 2026.
The national consultation facilitated by MECC and SPREP brought together government agencies, private-sector stakeholders, waste operators, industry representatives, civil society, communities, and other key stakeholders to review and provide input into the proposed legislative framework.
Ms. Senimili Baleicakau, Director of Environment, Fiji's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of the Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations.
“The introduction of the Product Stewardship Scheme by the ministry contributes to Fiji’s broader efforts to advance sustainable consumption and production, strengthen national waste management systems and support the nation’s transition towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy,” she said.
SPREP, through the GEF ISLANDS Project Management Unit, has been supporting Fiji to strengthen its policy, legislative and institutional arrangements for sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.
The initiative represents a significant milestone for Fiji and demonstrates the value of regional partnerships in addressing common waste management challenges across the Pacific.
SPREP Director of Waste Management and Pollution Control, Mr Anthony Talouli, applauded the leadership by the government of Fiji and the MECC.
He said: “SPREP is pleased to provide this support through the GEF Islands Pacific UNEP project. Sustainable financing through a product stewardship programme such as this whereby the cost of managing the end of life of products is shared amongst manufacturers, producers, importers, retailers, and customers is essential for Fiji and other Pacific small island developing states that rely on imported products.”
Alongside the Product Stewardship Bill, a draft Container Deposit Regulations was drafted to establish a system that encourages consumers to return eligible beverage containers for recycling or appropriate recovery.
Such a scheme has the potential to increase collection and recycling rates, raise awareness and reduce litter, and improve the recovery of valuable materials while creating opportunities for local employment and private-sector participation in the circular economy.
The outcomes of the national consultations will inform the further refinement and finalisation of the Draft Product Stewardship Bill and Container Deposit Regulations, supporting their progression through the appropriate national processes.
Once established, the framework is expected to provide a stronger basis for improving waste recovery, reducing litter, raising awareness and promoting greater responsibility across the product supply chain.