Producer Responsibility Schemes

Producer responsibility scheme (PRS) is a key policy tool in the waste management strategy in Hong Kong. Enshrining the principle of “polluter pays” and the element of “eco-responsibility”, the PRS concept requires manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to share the responsibility for the collection, recycling, treatment and disposal of end-of-life products with a view to avoiding and reducing the environmental impacts caused by such products at the post-consumer stage.

Progress

The Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance (Cap. 603) (PERO) was enacted in July 2008 which provides the shared core elements of all PRSs and the fundamental regulatory requirements in respect of individual types of product, with operational details to be set out in the Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation.

The Charging Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags (PSB Charging Scheme) is the first PRS introduced in 2009 aiming to reduce the excessive use of plastic shopping bags (PSBs) through a direct economic disincentive imposed on consumers as a mandatory charge. It was fully implemented to cover all retail outlets with effect from 1 April 2015. The enhanced PSB Charging Scheme is effective from 31 December 2022.

The Government is also implementing the PRS on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) (WPRS) to facilitate the proper treatment of WEEE in Hong Kong, as well as the PRS on Glass Beverage Containers (GPRS) to better promote the recycling of waste glass containers, turning waste into resources.

Besides, the Government is preparing to introduce the PRS on Plastic Beverage Containers and Beverage Cartons, turning waste into useful resources and reducing the impact on the environment.