Letters | Prove that Hong Kong recycling bins are not just for show
- A garbage collector’s practice of dumping already separated recyclables in a heap raises questions about the Hong Kong government’s commitment to its stated goal of promoting recycling
I’ve lived in Hong Kong for over 40 years now, and earlier this week I had reason to be very disappointed with the Hong Kong government.
I was walking home on Victoria Road from Kennedy Town when I noticed a garbage collector collecting already separated garbage from recycle bins (in front of No 60, Victoria Road) – that is, plastic, paper and tin cans – and putting them all into one big plastic bag and throwing it into the truck. I doubt if the garbage would be re-separated at the station.
Are these contractors being instructed or supervised by any government official? If not, why not? What is the use of providing recycle bins around the city when the practice is not being followed through? The people of Hong Kong are mostly trying their very best to save the city and the environment, but they are being let down by the government.
Just like raising a family, it all starts at the very top with educating the mind. Someone at the top government level needs to be rigid with the law and facilitate the people of Hong Kong with, first of all, bigger recycle bins at strategic points where it is convenient for them to bring recyclable trash. The size of the recycling bins around town at the moment is laughable.
Secondly, environmental officers should be deployed to regularly check whether these contractors are doing the job correctly. Is this being done at all?