28 years in business
ONE of the oldest and most experienced recycling company in the country marked its 28th birthday yesterday.
Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd (WRFL) director and chief executive officer Amitesh Deo said they got into the business when recycling was a relatively new and alien concept in Fiji.
“We began in this business before it became fashionable and we have remained committed to the cause despite the ups and downs we have faced along the way.
“Despite the lack of stakeholder support and legislative framework and the stigma attached to recycling and waste management sector, WRFL has never backed down.”
Mr Deo said in the past 28 years, apart from providing recycling and waste management solutions, they had made a concerted effort towards changing Fijian mindsets and behaviours in terms of how they disposed of their rubbish.
He said apart from the legislative challenges and limitations, Fijians views towards recycling had also been a huge challenge.
“Another challenge came from businesses involved in waste management, when recycling became a ‘fashionable’ aspect of waste management, waste collecting companies classified themselves as ‘recyclers’ – despite not conducting any form of recycling activity at all.”
Mr Deo said they had the I-Recycle Hub that was getting a lot of traction in resort properties and other businesses, and they also had the Recycling On the Go (ROG) ambassadors – a partnership with Swire Shipping and Jai Narayan College – where 24 students have put up their hands to engage in and lead recycling efforts in the school, at home and in their communities.
“We believe these two initiatives will go a long way towards changing mindsets and influencing behaviours – and make Fiji a better place in terms of having a pristine environment and cleaner surroundings.
“If we get these changes done then, it will also have a flow-on effect to our biggest money earner – tourism – and this means a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.”
As it celebrates its 28 years in the recycling business, Mr Deo said WRFL remained committed to the cause and was very proud of recent initiatives put in place to take recycling and waste management to the next level. To mark the historic event, the company had organised a special morning tea with informal waste pickers in Lautoka – one of the most important and key stakeholders in the country.