As Hong Kong generates a huge amount of waste each day, we need to be aware of how to reduce it to maintain our quality of life. Here you can learn about the current situation, what you can do to reduce waste and how to separate waste for reuse and recycle.

Hong Kong generates around 5.5 million tonnes of waste annually (over 15,000 tonnes a day). At this rate our existing landfills will only last 4 to 8 years at the most. The Government is currently consulting the public on large-scale alternatives, but small changes in our habits will also help, including reduce, reuse and recycle.  

• More on municipal solid waste
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/waste/msw.htm

You can reduce waste both at work and at home with a few simple changes. Here are some tips for you.

At the Office

• Think carefully how many copies you need and do not copy too many.
• Put a single-sided paper collection box and a waste paper recycling box near the photocopiers.
• Single-sided paper can be used as notepads and reusing envelopes.
• Use pencils for drafting rather than pens.
• Use less glue that contains benzene and ethyl acetate – paper clips and pins will often do.
• Use less correction fluid that contains the ozone depleting l.l.l-trichloroethane.
• Reduce the use of fluorescent pens – you can just underline text instead.
• Bring your own mug so you don't have to use disposable paper cups.
• Communicate through e-mail can reduce paper use.

At Home

• Cut down on gift wrapping paper.
• Use handkerchiefs rather than tissues.
• To avoid buying unnecessary products, think twice before shopping. It is environmentally friendly and can save your money.
• To reduce consume of plastic bags, bring your own bags.
• Return coat hangers to cleaners.
• Send any unwanted electrical appliances, computers, toys and clothing to charity groups.

• Location of collection points
  http://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/quickaccess/vicinity.htm

For easier recycling, separate waste before disposal.

• Non-recyclable waste.
• Waste paper, does not include paper products such as cups and plates.
• Metals, including aluminium cans, metal containers and mixed metals.
• Plastics, including containers, clean plastic bags and mixed plastics.
• Other recyclables, such as old clothing, electrical appliances, computers, old magazines, etc.

Programme on Source Separation of Domestic Waste in January 2005 was launched by the Government. By encouraging and assisting property management companies to provide waste separation facilities on each building floor to facilitate residents to separate waste at source, and by broadening the types of recyclables to be recovered, the Programme aims to increase the recovery rate of domestic waste and reduce waste, so as to extend the life of the landfills.

• More on the source separation of domestic waste
  http://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/household/source_intro.htm