Waste plastic can't be dumped in HK

June 27, 2013

The Environmental Protection Department has clarified that waste plastics imported from other places cannot be disposed of in Hong Kong.
 
The department made the clarification today in response to media enquiries about the arrangements for disposal of waste plastics.
 
The department said it has been stringently monitoring waste disposal at landfills and refuse transfer stations. The disposal of contaminated waste plastics unsuitable for recycling is also subject to this strict monitoring requirement.
 
It issued a document in mid-June to help recyclers understand and comply with the requirements.
 
The document states waste plastics imported from other places cannot be disposed of in Hong Kong, and must be returned to its place of origin.
 
Recyclers can contact the department to arrange for disposal of local recyclables that have been seriously contaminated. If the waste plastics are found to be suitable for recycling, the department will follow up with the recyclers and provide assistance in recycling them.
 
Under the recyclables collection services contract between the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and the contractor, the latter is required to collect and handle different kinds of recyclables separately, and deliver them to designated recyclers on the same day.
 
The contract also specifies that any litter or waste other than recyclables mingled with the recyclables inside the collection bins should be sorted out and disposed of at designated refuse collection points.
 
Should any unsatisfactory performance or breach of contract provisions be found, punitive actions will be taken against the contractor concerned, which include the issue of warnings, default notices or deduction of monthly payment.