Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Q1 | Are there any outlets for recyclable materials (e.g. computer products, electrical & electronic appliances, ferrous metals, glass, non-ferrous metals, plastic scrap, rubber scrap, textile waste & rags, tyres, UBC (aluminium cans), waste paper, wood, toner cartridges) or used items (e.g. old furniture, clothes) ? |
| Ans | Most recyclable materials, if clean, may be collected for recycling. Waste separation bins are placed in public places for collecting waste paper, metal containers and plastics. Many collectors or recyclers will also be interested in collecting other recyclables. You may visit the EPD website for locations of the waste separation bins and directory of recovery/recycling companies in Hong Kong. Many of your used items could be donated to charity organisations such as Oxfam and Salvation Army. Please visit the EPD website for more information. |
| Q2 | Is there any arrangement for collection of plastic bags ? |
| Ans | To promote plastic waste recycling, all plastics (plastic bottles, beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, plastic bags, plastic containers, plastic toys, plastic flower-pots and CDs etc.) are now collected by the "brown" waste separation bins located at public places. In addition, the EPD launched a territory-wide programme on source separation of domestic waste in January 2005. The co-collection of different types of plastic waste has been included in the programme. Please visit the EPD website . However, as reduction at source is more effective than recycling, the government will continue to launch campaigns to encourage reduction in the use of plastic bags. |
| Q3 | How can I set up a recycling programme in my establishment (home or office) ? |
| Ans | Detailed arrangement to set up waste separation and recovery programmes are provided in various waste reduction information packages which are available upon request. Such requests should be directed to the Recycling Helpline at 2838 3111 or email at [recycling_helpline@epd.gov.hk]. |
| Q4 | How can I set up a recycling programme in my school ? |
| Ans | To promote waste recycling at schools, the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) has organised a number of programmes for schools, including Hong Kong Green School Award, Schools Environmental Protection Ambassador Scheme, Environmental study visits, etc. The Waste Separation and Recycling Scheme in Schools was launched since December 1999 for collection of waste paper, aluminium cans and plastic bottles. You may contact the ECC at 2519 9173 or visit its website for more information. |
| Q5 | Where can I obtain the latest waste figures ? |
| Ans | EPD has kept waste figures since 1986. Waste disposal and recovery figures from 1997onwards can be found here. |
| Q6 | Where can I obtain information on the plastic coding system ? |
| Ans | The value of recycled plastic products depend largely on the purity of the materials used. The use of coding to facilitate sorting is one of the prerequisites for successful plastic recovery and recycling. It is a key measure in ensuring that plastic containers and materials of various resin types can be identified so that they can be properly collected, sorted and recycled. Guideline on Plastic Coding System for Resin Identification can be downloaded here. |
| Q7 | Where can I obtain more information about the selection of environmentally-friendly containers or bags ? |
| Ans | The "Testing Guideline on the Degradability and Food Safety of Containers and Bags" and the associated registration scheme were issued in December 2000. Further Information on the guideline can be found here. |
| Q8 | How can I help reduce the use of disposable plastic foam food/drink containers ? |
| Ans | It is most important to avoid and reduce the use of single use disposable products at all times instead of just replacing them with other disposable substitutes which will also end up as waste. "Guideline on the Reduction of Disposable Plastic Foam Food/Drink Containers" and the factsheet "Recovery and Recycling of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Products in Hong Kong" show you how to reduce plastic foam products. |
| Q9 | Does the Government have any policies to assist the waste recyclers ? |
| Ans | The Government has no plan to provide direct subsidy to any private business. However, the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) supports non-profit making projects to improve and maintain the quality of Hong Kong environment. This is applicable for materials recovery projects and research projects on waste reduction/recycling. Moreover, suitable land under short- term tenancy have been allocated to waste recyclers. Tendering of other suitable sites under short term tenancy will continue to be open to the recycling trade. All new tendering notices will be announced at the EPD website. You may also contact us at recycling_helpline@epd.gov.hk or 2838 3111for more information. |
| Q10 | Are there any channels through which I can join the waste recovery programmes |
| Ans | The EPD has launched various waste recovery programmes and encourage the public to contribute actively towards achieving a better environment. You may visit here or dial our helpline at 2838 3111 for details. |
| Q11 | Where can I obtain / buy recycling bins ? |
| Ans | You may contact any of the suppliers for the procurement of the recycling bins. Download a non-exhaustive list of suppliers of recycling bins for reference. |
| Q12 | "How can I obtain information on degradable products"? |
| Ans | You may like to refer to the Register of Degradable Products to make an informed choice of products which meet the relevant criteria. |
| Q13 | Can my company, as a waste collector, be included in the collector list ? |
| Ans | Yes, you only have to fill in the registration form and send it back to us. We will then upload the information of your company to the EPD website. The company directory contains a non-exhaustive list of recovery/recycling companies to provide contact information for any parties who are interested in promoting and organising materials recovery and recycling programmes in Hong Kong. However, the information is for general reference only and the Government does not accept any responsibility to the users of the directory and the organisations mentioned therein. |
| Q14 | Is there any plan for recycling food waste generated in Hong Kong ? |
| Ans | In 2004, we commissioned a study to characterize food of major generators in Hong Kong, and evaluate larger food waste treatment systems available internationally. In 2005, we plan to form partnership with individual major food waste generator to organize small scale pilot trials on production of compost from food waste, with application of the compost products to organic farming and landscaping. |
| Q15 | Where can I dispose of my dry rechargeable batteries ? |
| Ans | A Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme was launched on 9 April 2005. The public is encouraged to return their used rechargeable batteries for recycling. Under the programme, a network of hundreds of collection points is set up in different districts to recover rechargeable batteries. Please visit our EPD website for the details. The programme is organised and funded by the producers and importers of rechargeable batteries and electrical/electronic equipment. The service is free to the public. |