Fiji is tackling marine plastic pollution head-on with an initiative called TrashBoom. This program, backed by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, aims to stop waste before it reaches the ocean.
TrashBoom uses floating barriers in creeks and rivers to catch plastic and other trash. Starting small, the program is now expanding nationwide with support from the government, international partners, and local businesses.
The idea is simple: it’s easier and cheaper to prevent plastic from flowing downstream than to clean it up later on beaches and reefs. Fiji produces about 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, especially during heavy rains when garbage can wash into waterways.
Pilot Success
The first TrashBoom in Nabukalou Creek, Suva, has stopped over 612 kilograms of waste from entering Suva Harbour since early 2025. This not only cleans the water but also helps city authorities manage urban drainage better. Following this success, another installation was launched at the Samabula River, thanks to a partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Fiji. This has helped the government and businesses learn more about waste flow, particularly branded packaging.
Nationwide Rollout
This year, eight new TrashBooms are being set up in targeted urban waterways, with plans for more around Suva and Nadi. The sites were chosen based on studies to ensure they won’t disrupt boat traffic or marine life. Each location also undergoes checks to ensure that the barriers hold up during heavy rain.
The design of the TrashBoom system takes advantage of water’s natural movement to guide trash to collection points. The barriers can capture everything from plastic bottles to larger items, and they are easy to maintain.
Public Health and Infrastructure
TrashBoom serves more than just environmental goals. Blocked drains can lead to flooding, creating stagnant water, which can foster diseases like dengue fever. By intercepting rubbish, the initiative aims to protect public health and infrastructure during the wet season.
Local authorities, including the Fiji Roads Authority, view this method as a cost-effective solution to reduce flooding and its associated risks.
Data-Driven Approach
One unique feature of TrashBoom is its focus on data. The program conducts audits of the waste collected to understand what products are most common. This data is essential for conversations about national waste management policies and recycling efforts. A strong data-driven approach also holds everyone accountable, from the government to businesses.
Connecting to National Reform
TrashBoom aligns well with the Return and Earn Fiji program, which offers refunds for returning plastic bottles and aluminum cans. This year’s collected waste can count towards this deposit-refund system, diverting recyclables from landfills.
Experts, including those from the UNDP Pacific Accelerator Lab, see TrashBoom as a potential model for other regions. However, they caution that it should not be seen as a standalone solution. Strengthening recycling facilities and supporting local recyclers is essential for success.
Looking Ahead
Overall, TrashBoom represents a shift in how Fiji manages waste. Instead of just cleaning beaches and promoting awareness, the focus is now on prevention and integration among government, communities, and industries. As Fiji deals with urbanization and climate challenges, the success of this initiative will be measured not just by how much waste is captured, but by how it changes waste management before it reaches the ocean.
For more information about Fiji’s environmental efforts, you can check the official Ministry of Environment and Climate Change website.
