HK sets initial recovery targets for beverage container recycling, plans implementation by 2026

The Panel on Environmental Affairs has recently deliberated on the Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) for plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons. 

The meeting, held on Monday, concluded with the setting of initial recovery targets—30 percent for plastic containers and 10 percent for cartons, aiming for implementation as early as 2026.

Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, outlined the government's strategy for a market-led approach that would involve manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers in the recycling process. He indicated that these recovery targets would be subject to adjustments based on actual performance.

To enforce compliance, penalties for non-compliance will be set at 10 to 30 percent higher than the recycling costs, depending on the shortfall. This structure was agreed upon by the manufacturers. 

Samuel Chui Ho-kwong, Director of the Environmental Protection Department, highlighted the role of financial incentives in ensuring adherence to the established standards.

While the industry supports the imposition of consequences for failing to meet standards, there are concerns about the potential severe cost pressures. Further discussions with the industry are planned before a comprehensive report is presented to the Legislative Council.

Environmental advocacy group Friends of the Earth (HK) has called for an accelerated implementation of the PRS to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste. 

The organization has suggested regular reviews of stakeholder responsibilities, recycling targets, and other components of the PRS, involving an independent advisory body. 

They are also pushing for more ambitious recycling targets to meet global standards and for transparent reporting of recovery rates to ensure accountability.

Moreover, Friends of the Earth (HK) has urged the government to clearly define penalties for non-compliance within the legislation and to expand the collection network to include medium-sized retailers and bulk collection points in housing estates. 

They recommend enhancing technical support for the recycling industry and broadening the scope of the Recycling Fund to support the recycling of beverage cartons and the processing of composite materials.

Additionally, the organization has proposed launching a comprehensive public education campaign to boost recycling awareness and establish a complaint-handling mechanism to maintain service quality. 

They emphasize the importance of extending producer responsibility to all packaging waste to minimize excessive packaging and restrict the use of single-use plastics.