HK sees a two-year decline in solid waste disposal

The total quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of at landfills has decreased for two consecutive years, reaching 3.97 million tonnes last year, according to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).

The report released on Thursday indicated that the MSW disposal has seen a downward trend, with the average daily quantity of MSW being 10,884 tonnes, representing a decrease of 2.2 percent compared to 2022.

Plastic waste has dropped by 10.5 percent, according to EPD, while the plastic bags disposed saw a one-third drop to 3.72 billion with the implementation of the Enhanced Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme since December 2022.

As for food waste, it has decreased by 3.4 percent, with domestic food waste disposal significantly dropping by 12.6 percent. 

The disposal of waste paper and metal has decreased by 3.2 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.

EPD said the per capita MSW daily disposal rate was down from 1.51 kilograms in 2022 to 1.44 kg in the past year.

The overall MSW recovery amount increased by more than 55,000 tonnes, representing a rise for three consecutive years. The quantity of MSW recovered for local recycling was about 450,000 tonnes in 2023, an eight percent increase compared to the previous year.

A spokesman from the EPD emphasized that the statistics reflect the government's persistent efforts to promote waste reduction and recovery, which is gaining momentum.

The government will launch initiatives to promote waste reduction and recycling, including a bill to establish producer responsibility schemes for plastic beverage containers and cartons.