Suva City generated a staggering 28,803 tonnes of waste in 2022, with the Capital dumping an average of 79 tonnes daily at the overcrowded Naboro Landfill, according to the Suva City Council’s (SCC) Voluntary Local Review that was launched last week. The review revealed that the landfill, located 24 kilometres from the Capital City, had reached capacity limit and required urgent expansion to cope with mounting waste from Suva and neighbouring municipalities. Despite collecting waste three times a week in most areas and six times in the central city, illegal dumping remain a persistent problem across the capital. “About one per cent of total liquid waste generated is illegally allowed to overflow into streets and creeks,” the report stated. The review found that household waste decreased from 18,009 tonnes in 2015 to 12,830 tonnes in 2022, while green waste collection increased dramatically to 9929 tonnes. SCC operates 19 refuse collection vehicles, including nine garbage compactor trucks, serving four solid waste management wards divided into ten sectors. The council launched a home composting campaign offering subsidised compost bins for $30 to reduce landfill contributions, with residents able to purchase the units at heavily discounted rates. A waste minimisation initiative at Suva Municipal Market processes one tonne of vegetable waste daily at the Samabula composting facility, with plans to expand to satellite markets. “The council aims to gradually increase production and expand collections to other satellite markets, viewing this sustainable practice as a long-term strategy to lower waste management costs,” the report said. The review showed that 94.5 per cent of municipal solid waste was collected and managed in controlled facilities, indicating strong adherence to regulated waste management practices. Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj