Electronic appliances abandoned by Hong Kong departments and public bodies auctioned to public despite official scheme, Post finds
Green groups fear allowing individual buyers instead of licensed recyclers to dismantle the waste could cause environmental problems
Abandoned electronic appliances from Hong Kong government departments and public bodies have been auctioned to the public, despite an official scheme requiring sellers and users to send them to licensed recyclers, a Post investigation has found.
The revelation sparked criticism from green groups who argued such inconsistency could cause environmental damage as individual buyers might dismantle the items improperly.
Since 2003, auctions have been held by the Government Logistics Department (GLD) twice a month to sell confiscated items, unclaimed goods and surplus stores considered to have some resaleable value.
In the scheme, which came into effect on August 1, sellers are required to provide free removal services for old and unwanted appliances to customers who buy new products of the same type.