Eco Park falls short of recycling, jobs targets

The HK$319 million government-funded Eco Park for the recycling industry has failed to live up to expectations, with its commercial tenants falling far short of targets for creating jobs and handling waste.

One tenant has ceased operating and is mulling withdrawing from the venture, while others are banking on a policy change under the new government.

The companies' plight, which comes despite the fact that they enjoy low rent and government-funded infrastructure at the Tuen Mun park, raises questions over the future of the recycling industry in the city.

Government figures show that the five companies are about 44 per cent short of the minimum target for the amount of waste to be recycled, set by the Environmental Protection Department. Altogether, they employ just 80 staff, 40 fewer than the target.

The companies were granted 10-year tenancies after open tendering in 2009. As well as paying a favourable rent, they can take advantage of management facilities, publicity and promotion and wastewater treatment provided by the government, and use berthing facilities for a fee.

Officials remain optimistic about the prospects for the park, as they are stepping up community recycling efforts, which should ensure a more affordable supply of raw materials to the Eco Park. The recycling companies are also looking at changing their business strategies or upgrading production to improve the quality of their products.