Trial Recovery Programme for Computers and Electrical Appliances

Each year, more than 1.5 million sets of computers and electrical and electronic equipment are discarded from households in Hong Kong. Some of them are still in operating condition and should be put for second-hand use. All contain useable components and materials including metal and plastic that can be recovered for reuse and recycling. To reduce the amount of waste computers and WEEE disposed of at landfills, the Environmental Protection Department has launched a pilot recovery programme since January 2003. The programme was well received by the public, and the latest quantities recovered and processed under the programme is up to about 40,000 units of waste computer and WEEE per year.

The repaired computers and appliances will be donated to the needies. If there is no suitable receiver, the repaired goods will be put on charitable sales and the proceeds will be put back to this programme. The appliances that are beyond repair will be dismantled with the useable components and materials recovered for reuse and recycling.

Under this programme, we hope to channel the waste computers and WEEE for reuse and recycling instead of disposal. It would help conserve valuable resources and extend the life of our landfills. Please join us to reduce waste and protect our environment.