Not using new e-waste collection service could harm environment, Hong Kong minister warns
Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing issues public reminder about dangers of improper disposal of electronics as government scheme kicks off
Consumers and sellers who choose not to make use of a new government scheme for the disposal of electrical appliances could unknowingly harm the environment, a top Hong Kong official has warned.
Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing issued the public reminder as a producer responsibility scheme covering air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, television sets, computers, printers, scanners and monitors entered into force on Wednesday.
“People who opt to, like in the past, dispose of these items haphazardly or just sell it off to door-to-door collectors who could just end up dismantling them [and disposing of the rest] improperly, could be damaging the environment,” he said during a morning radio programme.
“There could be heavy metals and chemicals in the components. In bad recycling practices, all valuable materials will be recovered, and the rest, the hazardous stuff, will be disposed of improperly, affecting the environment and the worker’s health.”
Under the scheme, producers and sellers are required to provide free and approved removal services for old and unwanted appliances to customers who buy new ones of the same type from them. The goods have to be taken to a recycler licensed to process and store e-waste.