The need to reduce and recycle waste is crucial to Hong Kong, with our large population and rapidly filling disposal facilities. Here you can find out why recycling is important, what the Government is doing to encourage it, how you can recycle waste and where to obtain more information.

Because Hong Kong has to deal with an unsustainable amount of waste in such a small geographical area, everyone needs to be aware of what we can do to improve the situation. Our landfills will be full, one by one, in the early to mid 2010s. So we all need to take responsibility and act now.

• Waste reduction guidelines and factsheets
  http://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/quickaccess/resource_centre_index.htm

Whilst the Government takes the lead, it is essential to involve the whole community in reducing waste. To this end, its Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is in place. It sets out a comprehensive strategy for MSW management in Hong Kong for the decade from 2005 to 2014.

The tools and measures include:

• Discard less, pay less - introducing waste charging to change people's behaviour.
• Source separation - improving the municipal solid waste recovery rate from 40% in 2004 to 50% by 2014.
• Supporting the recycling industry - commissioning the EcoPark and introducing an Eco-responsibility Bill.
• Bulk reduction and final disposal - commissioning the extension of landfills and integrated waste management facilities.
• Public education and partnership - promoting waste avoidance and minimisation.

• Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/msw/htm_en/content.htm

The Wastewi$e Label under the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence recognises the role that local companies and organisations can play in managing and reducing waste. Jointly organised by 11 organisations, including the Environmental Campaign Committee and the Environmental Protection Department, and the Hong Kong Productivity Council being the Scheme's consultant, the Scheme provides applicants with free advice on waste management techniques, and rewards them for their efforts with public recognition. Applicants are expected to:

• Avoid and minimise waste.
• Collect and recycle suitable materials.
• Buy or manufacture recycled products.

• The Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence
  http://www.hkaee.org.hk/

Rechargeable batteries contain some hazardous and other substances that can be recycled. They are used in many types of electronic equipment, such as:

• MP3 players
• Video cameras
• Mobile phones
• Laptop computers
• Portable electronic game sets
• PDAs

To encourage battery recycling, collection points are located in stores and railway stations throughout Hong Kong.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) can also be recycled, for example:

• Computers
• Television sets
• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Video or audio equipment
• Microwave ovens
• Fans
• Water heater
• Rice cooker
• Air-conditioners
• Heaters

Electrical and electronic equipment, either in good operating condition or out of order, is welcome. The collected appliances will be inspected and repaired as necessary, and will finally go to charity.

• More on recycling of rechargeable batteries
  http://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/workplace/rechargebattery_intro.htm
• More on recycling of electrical appliances
  https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/workplace/weee_intro.htm
• More on recycling of computers
  https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/workplace/crp_intro.htm

The Programme on Source Separation of Domestic Waste, launched in January 2005, aims to make it more convenient for residents to separate waste at source. This is done by encouraging and assisting property management companies to provide waste separation facilities on each building floor, and broadening the types of recyclables to be recovered.

Besides paper, aluminum cans and plastic bottles that are collected in the 3-coloured waste separation bins, the types of recyclables recovered have been broadened to include:

• Other metal cans such as biscuit tins and clean food cans.
• Mixed metal items such as pots and vacuum flasks.
• Plastic bagging such as shopping bags and packaging.
• Mixed plastics such as CDs and toys.

Each participating housing estate or building can run periodic large scale collection programmes for specific types of reusable and recyclable materials such as clothing, electronic and electrical appliances, and computers for resale to recyclers.

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

Another way of separating waste is to donate unused items to a recycling organisation. These organisations include:

• Caritas (Hong Kong)
• Christian Action
• Christian Concern for the Homeless Association
• Crossroads International
• Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong)
• HKCTU Workers' Support Recycling Centre
• Industrial Relations Institute
• Oxfam Hong Kong
• Po Leung Kuk
• Salvation Army
• St James' Settlement
• Straw Action
• The Conservancy Association
• Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association
• Tuen Mun Youths Association

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

To help you obtain information on waste reduction and recycling, the Environmental Protection Department operates a Recycling Helpline that provides:

• Technical advice on waste reduction and recycling.
• A list of waste collectors and recyclers.
• Local waste recycling statistics.
• Information on Government initiatives and activities.

You can call the helpline at 2838 3111 or request information by email from recycling_helpline@epd.gov.hk ( mailto:recycling_helpline@epd.gov.hk ).

• More on the helpline and other sources of information
  http://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/quickaccess/useful_contact.htm