The Environmental Protection Department has announced that the enhanced Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment will be implemented on July 1.

Under the enhanced scheme, the maximum storage volume of refrigerators will be increased from 500 litres to 900 litres, while the maximum washing capacity of washing machines will be increased from 10 kg to 15kg. Standalone tumble dryers and dehumidifiers will also be covered by the scheme, and the requirement to provide a recycling label in the distribution and sale of products under the scheme will be removed.

The enhancements will be implemented in accordance with the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023 passed on October 18 last year.

Currently, when a customer purchases a new air-conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, television, computer, printer, scanner or monitor under the scheme, the seller is required under the law to arrange free door-to-door removal of the old product of the same type for the customer.

Starting from July 1, customers can enjoy this same free removal service under the law when purchasing refrigerators and washing machines with larger capacities, standalone tumble dryers and dehumidifiers.

The Government hopes the public will make use of the service to ensure that old electrical equipment can be properly collected and treated.

Members of the public wishing to recycle old electrical equipment without making a new purchase can also make an appointment for free collection of old items via the recycling hotline 2676 8888 or on WhatsApp at 6081 5096.

Moreover, starting from July 1 suppliers – including manufacturers and importers distributing the new types of products under the scheme – must first register with the department as registered suppliers before distributing such products in Hong Kong. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 on conviction. Suppliers must also pay the department a recycling levy for the electrical equipment they distribute.

In order to streamline the scheme’s operation, suppliers and sellers are no longer required to provide recycling labels in the distribution and sale of equipment. Nevertheless, sellers are required to continue with the current practice of providing customers with a receipt showing the prescribed wording on recycling levies.