Tyre disposal is becoming a growing concern as government officials look for alternative disposal solutions for the item.
The Ministry of Waterways and Environment Permanent Secretary Joshua Wycliffe said tyres are not just municipal wastes but a hazardous waste that create environmental and health problems.
“Our everyday efforts reflect our focus to ensure all Fijians have clean air, a safe, healthy environment, and access to waterways that do not disrupt or risk normal lives, but provide enhanced living conditions,” Wycliffe said.
Wycliffe added inappropriate disposals that leave the environment vulnerable to leaking chemicals, breeding ground for mosquitoes and pests and tires are major risk fires in Fiji.
However there are regulations in place to curb tyre menace, which includes tyre burning in the country.
According to the Environment Management Act 2005 anyone who knowingly or intentionally or with reckless disregard to human health, safety or the environment, causes pollution incident that results in harm to human health or safety, or severe damage to the environment commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000,000 or to life imprisonment or both.
Yet penalties are five times higher for business or corporate organisations.
In addition, the Ministry is putting an end to the stacking wastes-over-waste model at the Naboro landfill and is considering waste remediation and recycling technologies.
The ministry is expected to launch the new model in the coming months.
