169 Vitogo Prade Lautoka, Fiji
info@lautokacitycouncil.com.fj
Stay in the loop with the latest updates exclusive offers and insider insights straight to your inbox
Lautoka City Council operates and manages waste disposal services at the Vunato Disposal Site, which serves not only Lautoka City but also surrounding municipalities, rural communities, tourism establishments, and maritime islands.
The facility caters for waste generated from:
The landfill operates using a fully computerized weighbridge system whereby disposal charges are determined based on:
Residents are also permitted to dispose of waste directly at the landfill upon payment of a minimal disposal fee.
The average waste intake at the facility was approximately:
The Vunato Disposal Site consists of:
The Vunato Disposal Site is located at the northern end of Lautoka City on a state foreshore reserve developed within a mangrove area facing the sea.
The Lautoka Vunato Open Aerobic and Evaporation Dumpsite was officially commissioned in 1968. Initially, the landfill was established to serve the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the citizens of Lautoka City. Since its commissioning, the site has continuously been managed by Lautoka City Council and occupies approximately 50 acres of land.
In 1998, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) introduced a pilot 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Project for the Lautoka–Nadi corridor. The project significantly improved landfill operations through technical and capital upgrades, including:
These developments have enabled Lautoka City Council to manage the disposal site more efficiently, improve environmental management practices, and significantly extend the operational lifespan of the landfill.
Location of Vunato Disposal Site
Layout of Vunato Disposal Site
Lautoka City Council, in partnership with Mission Pacific, continues to promote recycling and environmental sustainability through the Return and Earn Initiative at the Vunato Disposal Site.
The initiative commenced on 22 January 2026 and operates every:
Members of the public can bring eligible PET bottles and aluminium cans to the site and receive 5 cents per item.
To qualify for recycling payment, all bottles and cans must be:
The initiative aims to reduce littering, encourage recycling, and promote responsible waste management practices throughout Lautoka and surrounding communities.
The Vunato Disposal Site operates a user-pay waste disposal system whereby disposal charges are determined according to the category, origin, and weight of waste received at the landfill.
| Waste Category | Within City Boundary ($/ton) VIP | Outside City Boundary ($/ton) VIP |
|---|---|---|
| Household Waste Collected by Contractors | 22.71 | 31.48 |
| Household Waste – Individual Resident | 10.84 | 13.93 |
| Market Waste | 10.84 | 11.87 |
| Hotel Waste | 25.80 | 31.48 |
| Other Business Waste / Factory General | 30.44 | 39.22 |
| Green Waste / Parks / Drain / Street Sweeping | 10.84 | 13.93 |
| Hospital Ash | 20.64 | 22.71 |
| Condemned Food (Machine Hire $100 per Hour) | 25.80 | 33.54 |
| Special Waste | 45.41 | 55.73 |
| Construction Waste | 25.81 | 33.54 |
| Motor Body / Shell | 45.41 | 55.73 |
| Weighbridge Fee | 20.64 | 22.71 |
| Note: Additional cost of $100.00/load is applicable for wastes such as condemned food, special wastes, hospital ash which require burial and heavy machinery | ||
The tipping fee system supports the sustainable operation and maintenance of the Vunato Disposal Site, including:
Residents, contractors, commercial operators, and businesses are encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly and comply with landfill operational requirements and environmental standards established by Lautoka City Council.
