Fiji is continuing to have an issue with tyre disposal as burning remains a problem.
Fijian Environment Ministry Speaks Against Tyre Burning
Any small nation will always have a problem disposing of tyres in an ecologically sound manner. Often the size of the arisings is too little to support a traditional tyre recycling plant, and further incentives are needed.
This is all the more highlighted in an island nation such as Fiji, where arisings are found across different islands, and the total arisings are insufficient to feed a dedicated tyre recycling plant. Often, the route taken by those with excess tyres is to burn the tyres.
The Fijian Environment Ministry is investigating the impacts of inappropriate discarding of used tyres.
Permanent Secretary Joshua Wycliffe says used tyres present a far-reaching environmental concern due to serious risk posed by the chemical contents and toxins released from the decomposition of tyres.
Wycliffe says tyres are a hazardous waste as they contain oils and heavy metals like lead which can persist in the environment, accumulating killer toxins across communities.
He adds that burning tyres release of toxins that pose serious human health consequences, including respiratory disorders.
Fiji‘s laws provide for strict measures to prosecute and stop the improper disposal of tyres and specially trained inspectors and prosecutors are on the lookout for such activities.
The Ministry of Environment is in negotiation with at least four international recycling/green technology companies to set up shop inside the Naboro Tax-Free Zone.
It is also trying to put an end to the stacking of wastes-over-waste at the Naboro landfill having researched remediation and recycling technologies.
The new approach will not only recycle waste but also shrink the size of the landfill and save millions of taxpayer dollars.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
