Power up: The rechargeable battery recycling programme has collected 28 tonnes so far.

The rechargeable battery recycling programme has made good progress, with more than 28 tonnes collected since its launch in April last year, the Environmental Protection Department says.

In the first year 13 tonnes of rechargeable batteries were collected and sent to a treatment facility in South Korea for recycling. For seven months of the second year, more than 15 tonnes were collected and will be shipped by December.

Major waste producers have already joined the scheme, and the department will boost publicity and recruit more companies.

The collection network will also be expanded. Presently 650 collection points have been set up across Hong Kong, and more than 840 housing estates, 200 commercial and industrial buildings and 170 schools offer collection services.

The programme is funded by 36 rechargeable battery and electronic equipment manufacturers and importers. More details are available here.