Secretary for the Environment KS Wong chaired the seventh meeting of the Steering Group on the Modification of Recycling & Refuse Collection Facilities in Public Places today.

The meeting discussed the improved designs for recycling bins and litter containers in public places and related work plan to consult stakeholders.

Taking into account comments from the steering group and its working group, the consultant has made further improvements to the conceptual designs and produced prototypes for use in future consultation.

Mr Wong said the designs will follow ergonomic principles to facilitate frontline operation and public use, adding that with the refinements, the design is more coherent to enable easy identification by the public.

Members also agreed to conduct trials for the bins and containers designed with a transparent feature at suitable indoor venues to test if it could improve recognition of the types of recyclables being collected and encourage source separation.

“We anticipate that the improved designs of recycling bins and litter containers could facilitate waste reduction and recycling, and will consult relevant stakeholders on the new designs shortly with a view to further improving them having regard to the views received.”

 
Frontline staff, the design industry, academia and relevant stakeholders' views will be sought on the operation and design details of the new bins and containers in 2019.

The consultant will report and submit recommendations to the steering group after the consultation.