New recycling policy targeting plastic and paper types not well-received by Hongkongers
Green group says latest government recommendations may increase burden on city’s landfills and undermine good habits
An amended recycling policy targeting specific types of plastic and paper has not been well-received by some Hongkongers, who continue to discard other items into designated bins.
Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Department kicked off a campaign urging consumers to change their recycling behaviour regarding waste paper and plastics. The move was to align with a tightened policy in mainland China.
Starting next year, authorities across the border will stop importing Hong Kong’s plastic waste from daily usage and its unsorted scrap paper to process for recycling.
Will recycling only drink bottles and personal care products lead to more waste sent to Hong Kong landfills?
According to the department, only three types of paper – paperboard, newspaper and office paper – should be recycled. For plastic waste, only two types – containers for beverages and personal care products – should be placed into recycling bins after they are rinsed.
Some consumers are not in a rush to adopt the new policy, as they are concerned about more waste being thrown into general rubbish bins.
Alice Lai Siu-chee, 66, a housewife in Tseung Kwan O, said: “I don’t care. I would still place [other types of recyclables] into the bins and let recyclers handle it.”
I don’t care. I would still place [other types of recyclables] into the bins and let recyclers handle it
Lai has bottles of detergent and bleach in her home – preferred items for recycling under the new recommendations – yet these are only discarded when their contents are fully used, which may take weeks or months. Items forming daily plastic waste from her household comprise plastic bags and boxes used to carry fruits or grocery, but these do not fit the bill under the selective recycling policy.