Fiji PacWastePlus Project

Fiji sought to improve organic waste management in communities that do not receive waste collection services. The project will assess the existing composting programme in the country and design a suite of suitable village-based composting programme's for implementation in targeted communities. The project aims to facilitate community consultation, establish an organics management system to effectively collect and compost organic wastes generated. PacWastePlus partnered with the GEF ISLANDS project to introduce Waste Management Action Plans in participating communities.

Project Description

Situation in 2018

60% of Fiji’s waste stream is organic material. Organics dumped into landfills generates leachate and methane gas, impacting the environment. Whilst organic materials composted and placed back on soils assist with moisture retention, organic growth, and is, therefore, a valuable input into agricultural pursuits.

What was the Fiji Project About?

Introduction of proper waste management to villages and informal settlements in partnership with GEF ISLAND through the following:

• Scoping Study to assess existing composting programmes and design of a suitable composting programme in targeted communities.
• Determine the community’s willingness to pay for garbage collection services.
• Introduce a suitable composting programme in targeted communities to support agricultural activities supported by education and awareness activities.

Future Situation

All organic wastes generated are diverted to organic waste processing systems, thereby eliminating land and water contamination from dumping, landfilling, and burning. The compost is then used back on land to improve crops and retain quality soils

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1. Implement organics processing systems in 25 communities.
2. All community members are effectively participating in the communal organic processing programme.
3. Build capacity through development and provision of resources and training materials.

Key outcomes from Project Intervention

Key Outcomes & Impacts

The iTaukei Affairs Board and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs adopted a systematic and culturally grounded approach to improving waste management in Fiji’s traditional villages. This included the development of a National Waste Management Policy and a model Provincial Waste Management Bylaw, drawing from established municipal frameworks while being tailored to the unique needs of iTaukei communities. This legislative reform is implemented at  the community level, through Village Waste Management Plans, which are underpinned in the 25 pilot villages through the construction of communal composting facilities, and the provision of necessary tools and equipment. These interventions address the significant volume of organic waste— estimated at 60% of the waste stream—and support sustainable agriculture by converting organic material into nutrient-rich compost, thereby reducing dependency on imported fertilisers.
Although direct project support was focused on 25 communities, the initiative’s impact is significantly amplified through the empowerment of Provincial Conservation Officers whom are now equipped to extend the activities and village plans throughout villages in all Provinces, ensuring national adoption and long-term sustainability of improved practices across the iTaukei communities of Fiji.

Key Project Achievements

• 1  National Waste Management Plan for the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs
• 1 Model Waste Management Bylaw  for Provincial Councils
• 25 Community Waste Management Plans
• 25 Compost Facilities  receiving and processing organic materials
• 125 people across 25 communities actively implementing the village waste management plans
• 14 Provincial Conservation Officers trained to undertake Village Waste Audits
• 19 Government staff had trained in Organic Management
• 685 participated in Waste Management Training

Supporting Documents

The following table provides a complete list of all documents developed during the project, including technical guidelines, training materials, reports, and communication resources. Where possible, links to the documents hosted on the SPREP website have been included to enable direct access.