Guidelines for the organization of beach / shoreline cleanup activity (Applicable after the implementation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Charging)

How to Organise a beach / shoreline cleanup activity by yourself?

Step 1. Choose a suitable beach / shoreline for your cleanup activity

  1. The age group of the participants

    2. You may set age limit based on the nature of your activity and the circumstances. For cleanup activity involving young children and elder persons, it is suggested to pick up a beach / shoreline that is easy to reach and avoid choosing a beach / shoreline that is covered with rocks or pebbles.

  2. Estimation of number of participants

    3. Area of many beaches in HK are relatively small. Not more than 30 participants are recommended for those locations.

    Here are some location suggestions for your references.

Step 2. Choose a suitable time for your cleanup activity

  1. Suggest to plan at least 2 weeks before the day of activity.
  2. Search for tidal information from Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), cleanup activities are suggested with low tide.
  3. Search for the updated upcoming event listed on the Clean Shorelines website to avoid clash with the scheduled time of other parties in the same beach/shoreline. You are strongly advised to reschedule or relocate your activity if there is any foreseeable time clash on or close to your proposed date.

Step 3. Safety

  1. Site visit before the activity is highly recommended.
  2. Make sure the beach / shoreline is accessible and without any ‘no entry’ sign or other relevant warning sign.
  3. Prepare safety gears such as walking sticks, protective gloves, tongs, first aid kit, etc.

Here are some safety precautions for your references.

Step 4. Inform us about your cleanup activity.

Please send the details below to clean_shorelines@epd.gov.hk at least 10 working days before your activity.

  1. English Name of Organiser :
  2. Chinese Name of Organiser :
  3. Date and Time :
  4. Cleanup Venue :
  5. Estimated Number of Participants :
  6. Name of Contact Person :
  7. Phone Number :
  8. Email Address :
  9. Welcome Interested Parties to Join : Yes / No (If yes, please include contact info. in the note below)
  10. Brief Note to the Public (if any) :
  11. Request for Cotton Gloves / Exempted Government Waste (EGW) coloured bags : Yes / No (subject to available stock)
  12. Event Website / FB Page (if any) :
  13. Approval for photo sharing* : Yes / No

* If yes, EPD may share photos of this cleanup activity from your event website / FB page to the public for promotional and educational purpose.  You are also welcome to share photos with us by email.

(Details of your cleanup activity will be uploaded to Clean Shorelines Website)

Step 5. Reply from us

You will receive a reply email from us informing of the following:

  1. Whether the venue and date are suitable for organizing cleanup activity. If not, it is strongly suggested to reschedule or relocate your cleanup activity.
  2. Contact information for the department responsible for the location of your activity. The aforesaid department will inform you the refuse collection point later.
  3. Arrangement for collecting cleansing materials, including (i) Exempted Government Waste (EGW) coloured bags and (ii) cotton gloves. (If required)

Step 6. Collection of EGW coloured bags.

  1. After receiving our email confirming your activity, you may collect the EGW coloured bags and other requested cleansing materials at the location specified in the email.
  2. No courier services are provided for the collection of cleansing materials and you are required to sign a declaration to declare the usage of EGW coloured bags and gloves for beach / shoreline cleanup activity.
  3. After the implementation of MSW Charging, volunteers may register for free EGW coloured bags from us to exempt the MSW charging for depositing the rubbish arising from the beach / shoreline cleanup activity.

Step 7. Things-to-do before the event day

  1. Check the weather conditions and news about the location to make sure the activity will be carried out safely.
  2. Confirm the transportation arrangement, e.g., bus/coach arrangement, road permit requirements, vessel schedule, etc.
  3. Print out data cards (Optional). (ICC format / EPD format)
  4. Inform us by email cleanshorelines@epd.gov.hk as soon as possible for any reschedule or cancellation of activity due to weather conditions or other reasons.

Step 8. After your cleanup activity

Please provide us the following information by email:

  1. The quantity of marine refuse collected with supported photos showing the quantity and dumping point.
  2. The number of EGW coloured bag used
  3. Data card (Optional)
  4. Event photos for uploading to our website (Optional)
  5. Story for uploading to our website (Optional)

Thank you for keeping our shorelines clean. Hoping you have a wonderful and enjoyable time with your shorelines cleansing activity.