Hong Kong’s only drinks carton recycler offered 3 new sites by authorities, but company head remains lukewarm over solution
- Chief Executive John Lee reveals environmental authorities have approached Mil Mill and encouraged them to apply for leases at three sites
- But executive director of recycling company says solution is not enough, with business still required to bid for new sites
The government has offered three sites for the relocation of Hong Kong’s only drinks carton recycler after the operator complained it would have to close because its landlord will end its lease by the end of the year.
But the co-founder of Mil Mill on Tuesday said he was unsure the proposal was suitable, adding the company could relocate to Singapore if no solution could be reached before the agreement expired.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said authorities had taken action by reaching out to the recycling operator, expressing his support for the industry.
“Our Environmental Protection Department has approached them and provided assistance, including a few locations they can apply to operate there,” Lee said.
“Of course, the government supports the recycling industry. That is why we have taken the initiative to contact them,” he said, addressing critics’ questions about authorities’ commitment to environmental and carbon emissions goals.
Earlier in the month, Mil Mill was told by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation it would not renew the company’s lease for a plot measuring 20,000 sq ft at Yuen Long Industrial Estate. The recycling company was also asked to vacate the premises by December 31.