| Law Summary | Container Deposit and Recycling Program |
| Date Implemented | Enacted in 2011, planned implementation in 2021 [1] |
| Containers Covered |
|
| Amount of Deposit |
Unknown |
| Recovery System |
Return to authorized redemption centers [2] |
| Unclaimed Deposits |
N/A |
| Handling Fees |
Part of the consumer's deposit payment is kept as a handling fee. [2] |
| Program Success | TBD |
Details
In 2010, the United Nations Development Programme published a feasibility project report on a potential container deposit scheme in Fiji, determining a high potential for such a scheme to succeed under the legal framework of the Environmental Management Act 2005. The study stated that over 50 million beverage containers are consumed in Fiji, with the vast majority going "to landfill, - at the cost of the government - burnt in small fires, or become litter with associated pollution impacts." [3] The report outlined the framework for a deposit scheme that the Fijian government could adopt, in line with similar programs in South Australia and British Columbia, Canada. [4] The scheme was passed in finalized in September 2011, with a compulsory deposit being placed on all beverage containers in the county. [5]
Although Fiji's deposit scheme was passed in 2011, the Fijian government only announced its implementation in 2021. The scheme is expected to be implemented in 2021/2022, with a styrofoam ban beginning to take phase on January 1, 2021 to coincide with the announcement. Styrofoam was completely banned on August 1, 2021. [6]
Footnotes
[1] "Container deposit legislation being developed." Tadulala, Koroi. Fijian Broadcasting Corporation. September 9, 2020.
[2] Ibid.
[3] "Creation of a Deposit and Refund Beverage Container Recycling System in Fiji." United Nations Development Programme Fiji Multi-Country Office. Published 2010.
[4] Ibid.
[5] "Compulsory Beverage Container Deposit to be introduced to Fiji soon." Communications Fiji Limited. September 30, 2011.
[6] "Ban on polystyrene to start next month." Chaudhary, Felix. The Fiji Times. July 20, 2021.
Last Updated on November 4, 2021.