Comprehensive Guide to Recycling in Hong Kong

Recycling plays a pivotal role in Hong Kong's environmental sustainability efforts. This guide provides an in-depth overview of recycling practices, including general recyclables and food waste management.

Understanding Recycling Categories

Hong Kong classifies recyclable materials into several categories:

• Paper: Includes newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and office paper.

• Plastics: Encompasses bottles, containers, and plastic bags.

• Metals: Such as aluminum and tin cans.

• Glass: Bottles and jars.

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): Items like computers, TVs, mobile phones, and other electronic appliances.

• Chemicals: Household chemical waste, including paint, batteries, and fluorescent lamps/tubes.

• Food Waste: Organic waste from households and the commercial sector.

Sorting and Preparing Recyclables

Proper sorting and preparation are crucial:

• Clean and Dry: Ensure all items are clean and dry to prevent contamination.

• Specific Guidelines:

  • Glass: Empty and remove caps or lids.

  • Cans: Empty and dry.

  • Paper and Cardboard: Remove all tape and stickers. Wrapping paper can only be recycled if it has no glitter or decorations.

  • Plastics: Separate according to the seven different types, as collection requirements may vary.

  • Styrofoam: Remove any food-contaminated parts.

  • Tetrapaks: Cut open, remove plastic lids, wash, and dry.

  • Food Waste: Separate organic waste for composting or collection services.

Where to Recycle

Hong Kong offers various recycling facilities:

• Public Recycling Bins: Located throughout the city, but misuse can lead to contamination, resulting in waste ending up in landfills.

• Community Recycling Points (CRPs): These are set up in various communities and accept a range of recyclable materials.

• GREEN@COMMUNITY: A network comprising Recycling Stations, Stores, and Spots that accept nine common types of recyclables, including waste paper, metals, glass containers, plastics, regulated electrical equipment, small electrical appliances, fluorescent lamps and tubes, rechargeable batteries, and beverage cartons.

• Community Green Stations: Government-run stations that accept various items, including glass and electronics.

Recycling Electronics and Clothing

Special items require specific disposal methods:

• Electronics: The Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), also known as WPRS, covers items like air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, printers, scanners, and monitors. Under the WPRS, sellers are required to arrange a free removal service to collect used equipment of the same class from consumers. Additionally, the government provides a recycling hotline (2676 8888) and WhatsApp service (6081 5096) for free door-to-door collection.

• Clothing: Retailers like Zara and H&M have collection bins for unwanted clothes.

Food Waste Recycling

Food waste constitutes a significant portion of Hong Kong's municipal solid waste. Effective management includes:

• Reduction at Source: The Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign promotes a culture of food-wise and waste-less practices, encouraging individuals and businesses to minimize food waste.

• Food Donation: Organizations like Food Angel and Feeding Hong Kong collect surplus food from various sectors and redistribute it to those in need, addressing both food waste and hunger.

• Food Waste Collection: The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) offers free point-to-point food waste collection services for commercial and industrial premises through the Pilot Scheme on Food Waste Collection. Additionally, Food Waste Recycling Points and Recycling Spots are established at public refuse collection points and "food and beverage clusters" to facilitate collection.

• Recycling Facilities: Facilities like O·PARK1 utilize anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas for electricity generation, with residues processed into compost for landscaping and agriculture use.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Wishcycling: Only recycle items that are accepted to prevent contamination.

• Community Involvement: Participate in local recycling programs and educate others to promote sustainable practices.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can contribute to a more sustainable Hong Kong through effective recycling practices.