First Pacific nation to recognise waste pickers

Fiji has become the first country in the Pacific to formally acknowledge waste pickers, and advocates are hopeful other countries in the region will follow suit.

The Pacific has long pushed for action against climate change, with its nations experiencing the brunt of rising temperatures, climbing sea levels and frequent natural disasters.

"In developing countries like Fiji, we don't have resources or municipal councils, and private companies don't have the resources to go and collect all recyclables from areas and bring them to recycling facilities," Mr Deo said.

There are around 20 million waste pickers around the world who have for decades acted as de facto recycling systems in their countries.

They eliminate millions of tons of carbon dioxide yearly by diverting waste away from landfills.

An appropriate name was decided as the first step toward ending the stigma.

The Collection Pillars of Recycling was the name granted to the 30 workers registered by the Lautoka City Council.

Along with the new name, the registered workers will be given safety equipment, and gain access to training and bank accounts.