More than 10,000 computers and related products have been processed by Hong Kong's only non-profit-making computer recycling programme this year, but the operator says that is just 3 per cent of the amount that is dumped.
The Hong Kong WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Recycling Association launched a computer recycling programme on January 12, funded and organised by 20 computer equipment suppliers and supported by the Environmental Protection Department and several green groups.
The programme has collected 10,802 computer products, including desktop and notebook computers, cathode ray tube and liquid crystal display monitors, printers, scanners and other devices. While most of the items were recycled, 250 were donated to Caritas for the needy.
Association vice-president Raymond Ho Kwok-ying said it had initially aimed to collect 50,000 items each year, but it would take time for the public to adapt to the idea.
Of the items collected, 64.3 per cent were picked up during waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling days in January (organised as part of the drive), 28.4 per cent at housing estates and industrial buildings and 6.52 per cent from public recycling spots.
Association vice-president Eddie Chan Wing-lai said there were more than 500 recycling spots but only 14 public ones.