Throwing rubbish where it does not belong could soon cost people $200, while businesses could face fines of up to $100,000 under tougher litter laws being backed by Parliament.
People and businesses that litter can face tougher penalties under the Litter Amendment law, with Members of Parliament from both sides of the House largely backing stronger enforcement while also calling for better waste management systems and a national shift in civic responsibility.
During the debate on the Bill, MPs highlighted that littering is no longer just an eyesore, but a growing environmental, economic and public health issue affecting Fiji’s roads, drains, rivers, coastlines and tourism reputation.
Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo supported stronger enforcement measures, saying higher spot fines, clearer sanctions and improved evidence gathering, including photographs and officer statements, are needed to strengthen prosecutions and make penalties more effective.
He says weak enforcement has long undermined environmental laws, while irresponsible behaviour continues to flourish because the risk of punishment remains too low.
Opposition MP, Rinesh Sharma says the expanded definition of litter is important, as it now captures dangerous waste such as chemical waste, hazardous batteries, sharp materials and industrial waste that pose serious risks to communities and the environment.
Sharma says stronger laws alone will not solve the problem, stressing that Fiji needs to build a wider culture of civic pride where people take responsibility for keeping the country clean.
Minister for Fisheries and Forests Alitia Bainivalu warns that rubbish dumped on land often ends up in rivers and coastal waters, damaging marine biodiversity, affecting fisheries and threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on ocean resources.
She says modern waste streams such as electronic waste and batteries create far greater environmental risks than traditional household rubbish.
Opposition MP Virendra Lal supports cleaner communities, but raises concerns about how tougher penalties could affect low-income households, especially in areas where rubbish collection services are irregular, bins are limited and disposal facilities are not easily accessible.
He calls for stronger enforcement to be matched with better infrastructure, sustained public education campaigns and fair, transparent enforcement.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau links littering directly to blocked drains, flooding, road damage and rising maintenance costs, saying discarded plastics, takeaway containers and other rubbish continue to clog drainage systems and undermine public infrastructure, particularly during heavy rain.
Responding to the concerns, Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya says the law is not intended to unfairly punish responsible households, but to target irresponsible littering and illegal dumping.
She also acknowledges waste collection challenges in rural communities.
Insert: Rural Dumping of Rubbish 4th May 26
Tabuya clarifies that the proposed $200 fixed penalty applies to individuals, while businesses and repeat corporate offenders could face much tougher penalties, including fines of up to $100,000 for dangerous litter offences, depending on the seriousness of the case.
