The pilot scheme for the “Centralized Waste Plastics Collection” has concluded, and the GREEN@COMMUNITY recycling network will be handling plastic recycling services starting today.
The Environmental Protection Department stated that the new arrangement offers greater flexibility and is expected to save about 20 percent in costs.
Some residents are concerned the network may not be able to remove the increased volume of recyclables in a timely manner during the Chinese New Year.
“[I am concerned] that the waste might pile up as the collection service may not operate during the CNY holiday,” a citizen surnamed Lui said.
“It’s better to arrange more recycling bins [in residential estates] as the current distribution of the recycling stations is quite limited,” another citizen surnamed Yeung said. “More [bins] would make recycling more convenient for everyone.”
Previously, contractors collected plastic waste regularly from residential estates, but under the new arrangement, the collection period will depend on the recycling situation in each estate.
A citizen surnamed Tsang suggested, “[The recycling bins] should be larger, as the current size makes it difficult to accommodate the volume of waste.”
“I also heard from the estate managers that many recyclables had been carelessly discarded,” she added.
Another citizen surnamed Chan wondered if the recyclables were being collected properly or if they were being sent to the landfill by cleaning staff.
Once the GREEN@COMMUNITY collects plastic waste, it will sent to recyclers. The authority previously estimated that about ten qualified recyclers would be available, offering more market options.
Jacky Lau Yiu-shing, President of the Hong Kong Recycled Materials and Re-production Business General Association, stated that larger spaces are needed for plastic recycling.
He noted that the low value of other plastics like PC and PLA made it difficult to sustain operations without subsidies after the pilot scheme concluded.
He explained that pellets made from these plastics sell for about HK$2,000 per ton, while operational costs such as electricity and wages exceed the amount, making it economically unfeasible.
Recyclers hope residents can take additional steps, such as separating CD cases from discs, to reduce sorting labor and costs.
(Cheng Wong)
