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Press Release
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme yields good results
The first year of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme laid down solid foundations for future significant expansion, a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said today (November 23) when releasing the programme's first annual report.
"It has made good progress during the first year and about 13 tonnes of rechargeable batteries collected in the year were sent to a treatment facility in South Korea for recycling in April, 2006.
"For seven months of the second year, we have already collected more than 15 tonnes of rechargeable batteries. They are scheduled for shipment to the recycling facility by December.
"We are optimistic about meeting the 10% recovery target (25 tonnes) by March 2007," he said.
Looking ahead, the spokesman said the two priorities for the second year were to enhance education and publicity as well as to recruit more companies to join the programme.
"It is encouraging to see that major waste producers including the Customs and Excise Department, China Light Power Limited, Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation and Mass Transit Railway Corporation have already joined the programme.
"We will continue to appeal to companies, including security companies and second hand mobile phone trading companies which use or keep a large amount of rechargeable batteries, to adopt the good practice," he said.
"To enhance public awareness and participation, we will continue to further strengthen publicity activities and expand the collection network."
At present, some 650 public collection points have been set up across Hong Kong in such places as railway stations, restaurants, electronic equipment shops, oil stations and convenience stores. Anyone can drop their rechargeable batteries in the specially designed bins and boxes or hand them in at the counter. In addition more than 840 housing estates, 200 commercial/industrial buildings and 170 schools provide collection services to their occupants.
Launched in April, 2005, the programme is funded by 36 manufacturers and importers of rechargeable batteries and electronic equipment. The Environmental Protection Department acted as the convenor to help the industry implementing the programme under a voluntary producer responsibility scheme.
"As the programme develops, it is necessary to strengthen its management structure. Members of the industry have agreed to take up the roles of convenor and deputy convenor of the working committee of the programme. The department will provide secretariat support to the committee while the Green Power acts as the Treasurer," he said.
Ends/Thursday, November 23, 2006
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