The Government is planning to offer financial assistance to industrial and commercial buildings for the procurement of recycling facilities, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection Dr Michael Chiu says.

Opening the Forum on Source Separation of Waste today, he said the aid may be given through the Environment & Conservation Fund.

Dr Chiu said the Buildings (Refuse Storage & Material Recovery Chambers & Refuse Chutes) Regulation recently approved by lawmakers imposes a mandatory requirement for the provision of a refuse storage and material recovery room on every floor of new domestic buildings from December 1.

"It is aimed at providing sufficient space on every floor for installation of recycling facilities which will enable residents to enjoy more convenience in recycling," Dr Chiu said.

Active participation

He said it was encouraging to see active support and participation by property management companies, housing estates, industrial and commercial buildings in the Source Separation of Waste Programme.

Since its launch in January, 2005, more than 940 housing estates have signed up to join the programme, covering 1.14 million households and a population of 3.4 million. It was extended last October to cover industrial and commercial buildings, and up to June, 400 of these joined the programme.

The programme has helped boost public participation in recycling. The recycling rate of domestic waste reached 23% in 2007 while a 4% drop was recorded in landfill disposal of domestic waste.

The department will organise a competition next month to invite households to share their experiences in source separation of waste and waste reduction. For more details click here.