New proposal aims to enhance plastic waste recovery in Hong Kong

The Environmental and Ecology Bureau has proposed a significant initiative requiring suppliers to arrange recovery services for plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons with volumes between 100 milliliters and two liters.

To encourage participation, suppliers will be mandated to establish designated return points, offering citizens a rebate of no less than 10 HK cents for returning plastic bottles and beverage cartons.

In a document submitted to the Legislative Council’s environmental affairs panel, the bureau outlined its intention to adopt a “market-led approach” for the Producer Responsibility Scheme. 

Suppliers will have the option to provide recovery services independently or engage third-party operators.

Both self-recovering suppliers and external recycling operators must hold an approved producer responsibility plan detailing their recovery processes and operational arrangements. 

"They are also required to submit biannual reports to the Environmental Protection Department on the quantity of recovered plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons," the document said.

The initial recovery targets will be set at a “pragmatic level,” with goals of achieving 75 percent recovery for plastic beverage containers and 50 percent for beverage cartons within six to eight years. 

Should the targets not be met, the government may impose a recycling payment for the shortfall, providing a financial incentive for compliance.

The bureau also indicated plans to introduce an amendment bill for this proposal in the first half of the year.

(Michael Shum)