More than 560 housing estates have joined the source separation of domestic waste programme, covering 740,000 households and 2.2 million people, the Environmental Protection Department says.

The programme, launched in January 2005, encourages and helps property management companies provide waste separation facilities on each building floor to aid residents in separating waste at source. By broadening the types of recyclables to be recovered, the programme also raises the recovery rate of domestic waste and reduces waste to maximise the usable life of landfills.

Deputy Director of Environmental Protection Michael Chiu said through this programme and other measures, the recovery rate of domestic waste will rise from 16% in 2005 to 26% in 2012.

To promote the programme, entertainers Lau Ching-wan and Amy Kwok have been appointed the programme's ambassadors. Promotional activities will also be staged in Tseung Kwan O, North District, Kwai Tsing and other districts.

More details about the programme can be viewed here.